Marcos Aurélio Larson

It may seem strange to start discussing preparations for winter in September, but many students and staff know it isn’t far away. If you’re new to Tech, one thing you’ll hear a lot about is the snow, and it’s no joke. Winters in Houghton can hit hard and last a long time. If you’re not ready, it can make living here a lot tougher. Josh Stevens, a senior this fall, gave one solid piece of advice. “Students should consider snow tires for their cars,” he said.

This winter, Michigan Technological University’s Ford Center in Alberta, MI, recorded the lowest temperature in the state this year, at -32 degrees Fahrenheit. Located 45 minutes south of campus, this remote field station serves as a hands-on research center primarily focusing on forestry, ecology, and environmental sciences. The reading was taken at 9 a.m. on Jan. 21, 2025, marking a surprising location for the state’s lowest reading.

Finals season is rapidly approaching for Michigan Tech students, bringing stress, anxiety, and that familiar sense of dread. As a graduating senior, I want to share a few tips that have helped me survive these challenging weeks. First and foremost, don’t feel alone; take advantage of the free resources provided on campus. Office hours and the Engineering Learning Center (ELC) have benefited me. Getting help when I’m stuck has saved me from hours of stress.