March 25, 2026 by

As a Midwestern university built on love for Christ and love for others, where the truth of Scripture is woven into all areas of study, Cedarville University is special in a multitude of ways. 

Hi, I am Abbey Patterson, and I am a junior middle childhood education major from London, Ohio. As a born and raised Ohio resident, I have had my fair share of battling the weather. Even so, I too have been caught in the wrong attire for the hourly weather change that the state often decides to provide.  

Because of my lack of knowledge (or my mom would call lack of checking the weather app), I have collected many stories of times when I battled the weather and the weather has won. However, I have also learned many tips to conquer the day without the ever-changing Ohio weather slowing me down! Today, I’m sharing these tips with you! 

Intentionally Layer 

This may seem obvious, but Ohio does get quite cold, especially once December hits. Intentionally layering means making sure that you stay warm while you walk from your dorm to your 8 a.m. class. But, intentionally layering also means making sure that you are comfortable inside the classroom so that you can pay attention and pass your biology exam rather than worrying about overheating. Layering means making sure you have a couple of crewnecks on standby so that you don’t turn into an icicle as you walk to your classes.   

Also, a common misconception for many students is that once the temperatures hit 65 degrees, you can pack away all your winter clothes. Don’t do it! False spring will give way to second winter, and you’ll be wishing you had your heavy coat handy for those blustery walks across campus. Intentionally layering means making sure you have a couple of crewnecks on standby so that you don’t turn into an icicle as you walk to your classes.   

Invest in the Essentials  

As you plan out the things you need to bring to school, do not forget your weather essentials. This list would include: 

  • raincoat 
  • umbrella  
  • warm coat  
  • hat 
  • gloves for the winter 
  • proper footwear 

One addition I made to my weather defenses is rechargeable hand warmers. This was a game-changer this past winter because I could turn them on and feel them through my gloves and keep them in my coat pockets in case I forgot my gloves.  

Another helpful suggestion is to get a raincoat that doubles as a light jacket so you are more likely to be prepared for rain in the spring.  

Ignore Others’ Opinions on What It Feels Like Outside 

As you get ready for the day, you will have people in your unit/hall who will make comments about the weather outside. More often than not, you will regret taking their opinions on the weather as law. Cedarville students come from everywhere from the sunny West to the colder northern states! 

My suggestion to you is to do your own investigation. This could look like taking a short lap around the outside of your dorm in your outfit for the day to gauge the temperature, wind level, and humidity.  

Of course, this practice just prepares you for the first part of the day, so make sure to pair it with checking the weather app and the projected precipitation for the day. This will prevent you from being underdressed if your tolerance for the cold is different from your roommates’! 

Imagine Yourself in Your Outfit Should the Weather Take a Turn 

Imagine this: You planned the perfect outfit to wear to your education field experience — your favorite pair of linen pants and a nice short-sleeve blouse — but once recess comes, you look outside, and it has started to snow. What do you do in this situation? Well, I do not have to imagine, because a similar situation happened to me this spring twice in the same week! 

My fatal flaw on both days was not that I failed to check the weather but that I was ill-prepared with the essentials. I did not have a plan for what I would do if the weather shifted during the day. If you want to steer clear of being cold, drenched, or toasty, my suggestion is to make a game plan for any way the weather can turn.  

Expect the Unexpected  

One more comedic way is that we have a natural phenomenon called “sideways rain.” If you are not familiar with this concept, it is when it is very windy and very rainy at the same time, so it seems as if there is a cloud of rain on every side of you, and no matter where you put your umbrella, the rain is always drenching as you walk to class! Yikes! 

Enjoy All Four Seasons of Weather on Campus in Ohio 

Whether you are someone who loves the sunshine or would rather be snuggled up indoors watching the snow fall, Ohio is the place for you. Ohio can be quite unpredictable — sometimes offering all four seasons in less than 24 hours — so if you want to enjoy your time in “the heart of it all,” prepare for the unpredictable! And get ready to make a ton of jokes about the weather with friends back home. 

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