Hello,

I currently attend a 4 year college in Southern California. For my
graduate degree, I am extremely interested in attending Notre Dame
University in Indiana. Many of my family members suggest that I
shouldn't attend because of the cold factor. Is it difficult for a
Californian to adjust to Indiana's winter weather?

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Clarification of Question by admiralquestion-ga on 12 Feb 2006 14:57 PST

Also, how cold can it get in Notre Dame, Indiana?

The weather can potentially get below 0 F, but will most likely stay
in the teens and twenties throughout the winter, oftentimes going
above the freezing point. I go to school in Cleveland, and have a few
friends from California. They complain of the weather, but, being
human beings, they can take it and adjust. Winters and cold weather
can be nice, or they can be bad. Having lived with them all of my
life, I appreciate winter most in the summer, and least in the winter.

However, I personally don't think it is so much of a factor that you
should not attend a school because of it. Besides, Notre Dame isn't
exactly the north pole. There's only around 30 inches or so of snow
per year according to this:
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/iwx/CLI/FWA/history/climatedescription.php

Hello admiralquestion-ga,

I grew up in Southern California and went to graduate school in Ohio. 
I was able to get used to it (although I was ready to come back home
after graduation!).  What helped me the most was having relatives in
the area that took me shopping for proper winter clothes.  You might
think that you have a winter coat and appropriate winter clothes, but
you are probably wrong.  You also need snow boots, gloves, a cap, etc.
 Unless you are an avid skier or visit cold climates often, you
probably don't have these items.  If you can, get someone to help you
shop.  Also, try to live on or very close to campus so that you don't
have to drive to school.

The bottom line is, I don't think you should let the cold weather stop
you.  I think it's a great opportunity to experience something
different.

Googlenut

P.S. To those in the Midwest and on the east coast, it was 85 degrees
in L.A. today :-). Although you don't have the brush fires and
earthquakes to worry about.

Perhaps this information will be helpful to you.

What you should know about Indiana weather
http://www.weather4you.info/indiana-weather-forecast.htm

"Indiana is one of the smallest states in area west of the Appalachian
Mountains. Despite its size, the state's natural characteristics
exhibit a sharp contrast north to south across its landscape. Indiana
has an invigorating climate with strongly marked seasons. Winters are
often cold, sometimes bitterly so. The transition from cold to hot
weather can produce an active spring with thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Oppressive humidity and high temperatures arrive in summer. Autumn is
favored by many residents as a pleasant time of the year with lower
humidity than the other seasons, and mostly sunny skies. Indiana's
location within the continent highly determines this cycle of climate.
The Gulf of Mexico is a major player in Indiana's climate. Southerly
winds from the Gulf region readily transport warm, moisture laden air
into the state. The warm moist air collides with continental polar air
brought southward by the jet stream from central and western Canada. A
third air mass source found in Indiana originates from the Pacific
Ocean. Due to the obstructions posed by the Rocky Mountains, however,
this third source arrives less frequently in the state. A winter may
be unusually cold or a summer cool if the influence of polar air is
persistent. Similarly, a summer may be unusually warm or a winter mild
if air of tropical origin predominates. The interaction between these
two air masses of contrasting temperature, humidity, and density
favors the development of low pressure centers that move generally
eastward and frequently pass over or close to the state, resulting in
abundant rainfall. These systems are least active in midsummer and
during this season frequently pass north of Indiana. Weather changes
occur every few days as surges of polar air move southward or tropical
air northward. These changes are more frequent and pronounced in
winter than in summer."

Thanks for your help guys! Geesh, why pay for an answer when a comment is free.