Student to student: “Spring” weather — expectations vs. reality
Believe it or not, the first day of spring was March 20. Since then, it has snowed seven times. Happy spring!
Here’s what we expected out of #UWSpring, versus the harsh reality we actually got.
Expectation: Laying out on Bascom Hill under the sun while you study.
People relax and study on Bascom Hill at the University of Wisconsin–Madison during spring on May 14, 2013. In the background is Bascom Hall with iconic “W” crest banners hanging from the building’s columns. Photo: Jeff Miller
Reality: We could build another Igloo, I guess.
Bascom Hill, pictured April 18, 2018. Photo by Emily Hamer
Expectation: Sitting by the shore of Lake Mendota watching the boats go by or a beautiful sunset. Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping. The air is brisk, but you’re comfortable in your sweater as you sit on one of the benches, enjoying the beauty of nature.
Rory Raasch, left, takes in the sights as night falls over Lake Mendota with her boyfriend Joseph Gaouette while sitting on a bench on the Lakeshore Path, April 13, 2007 at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Photo by Aaron Mayes
Reality: Ice, wind and freezing temperatures. You have to walk through slush to get to the shore of Lake Mendota. Then once you get there, all the trees along the lake have a thick layer of ice around them. Same with the rocks. You’re wearing your parka because the freezing rain might start again.
Waves crash against the frozen shore of Lake Mendota, bringing the essence of spring with them on April 16, 2018. Photo by Emily Hamer
Expectation: Pulling out the Terrace chairs since Terrace Season starts when it gets warm, and usually it’s warm by now. (Last year it was April 13).
UW student Zach Zimmermann helps bring out the Terrace chairs April 13, 2017. Photo by Emily Hamer
Reality: Heartbreak… But stay tuned — it’s coming soon, hopefully along with warmer temperatures.
Expectation: Finally being able to ride your bike around campus because the weather is warm enough.
As the late-summer sun begins to set, silhouetted pedestrians and bicyclists make their way along State Street near the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus on Sept. 3, 2009. Photo: Jeff Miller
Reality: Pretty much everything is covered in snow or ice and you can’t bike because it’s either too cold, too windy or there’s a snowstorm.
A couple pedestrians walk down a snow-covered Lakeshore path in the “springtime” April 16, 2018. Photo by Emily Hamer
Expectation: Being able to wear just a jean jacket, sweatshirt or other light coat to class.
Students walk down the sidewalk of Bascom Hill during spring at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on May 4, 2017. Photo: Bryce Richter
Reality: Busting your parka back out of the closet.
Expectation: Playing frisbee or catch with your friends outside.
With the days of summer rapidly waning, students play a pickup game of Ultimate Frisbee on Bascom Hill at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on Sept. 17, 2010. In the background, left to right, is the Law Building and South Hall. Photo: Jeff Miller
Reality: Curling up in a blanket and never going outside again.