SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) —
Transcription:
Sophia O’Brien: Throughout the year, studies have shown time and time again that the weather affects students’ performance in school. From hot and humid weather boosting moods but decreasing efficiency, to cold and snowy weather causing lack of effort and attendance. This week, Syracuse University has gotten it all. From snow on Monday, to students lounging on the quad on Tuesday. Students like Lucy Schaffer don’t always know what to do with that, and students’ grades may be the one falling victim to the forecast.
Lucy: I can just tell there’s a difference when you’re actually in the
classroom as well. People are just like, you can tell the weather just really takes a toll on how you feel and how you
do your work.
Sophia: Now, spring has obviously sprung, but from cloudy days to sunny ones, people are always on campus. Students at SU are definitely soaking up the sun today because they just aren’t sure how long it will last. Freshman Ethan Higby doesn’t seem very surprised though.
Ethan: You know, I have like allergies and stuff, so like up and down like this can cause them to flare up. But, you know, it
makes things interesting around here, you know. It’s like one of the unique things about upstate New York is that it’s just so inconsistent all the time.
Lucy: Oh, it’s making my mood 100 percent better. I mean, when I woke up the other day and it was snowing, I was like really sad all day. I wanted to do nothing. I wanted to rot in bed, and as soon as that weather got nice, I was outside, I had a cup of coffee, I was sitting, I was doing my homework, and it was great. I felt so much more like productive and wanting to actually do my homework.
Sophia: Although consistent spring weather seems far away, hopefully, the grass is greener on the other side of the forecast soon. I’m Sophia O’Brien, NCC News.
Studies have consistently found that weather shapes how students perform in school. Hot, humid air can lift spirits but blur focus; cold and gray skies tend to drain motivation and keep students away from class. This week at Syracuse University, both extremes arrived within 24 hours of each other.
Snow fell on Monday. By Tuesday afternoon, students were stretched out on the quad in the sun, soaking up warmth they weren’t sure would last. The whiplash is familiar to anyone who’s spent a spring semester in upstate New York, but that doesn’t make it any easier to navigate.
| Saturday 4/18 | Monday 4/20 | Thursday 4/23 |
| HI:81 LO:61 Sunny | HI:41 LO:34 Snowy | HI:66 LO:55 Cloudy |
“I can just tell there’s a difference when you’re actually in the classroom. You can tell the weather really takes a toll on how you feel and how you do your work.” – Lucy Schaffer, SU student
Schaffer’s experience illustrates what researchers have long documented: the environment we’re in has a tangible effect on our willingness to work. For students already juggling deadlines and exams, a grey morning can tip the scales in the wrong direction. Freshman Ethan Higby is already acquainted with the region’s reputation. Between his seasonal allergies and the general unpredictability of central New York springs, he’s learned to expect the unexpected.
“It makes things interesting around here. It’s like one of the unique things about upstate New York — it’s just so inconsistent all the time.” – Ethan Higby, SU freshman
For now, students are making the most of the sunshine while it lasts, aware that another cold snap could be just around the corner. Until spring settles in for good, SU students will keep watching the forecast as closely as their finals schedule.