The New Graduate Student's Survival Guide

East Tennessee is a fairly temperate place to live.  Winters are generally short and mild, with summers hot and humid but not unbearable.  Like most of the U.S., fall is cool and comfortable.  Unlike most of the U.S., spring comes early and is long, mild, and spectacular.  The array of blooming trees is colorful and unique, featuring dogwood, redbud, pear and magnolia. 

ETSU has an arboretum, where you can learn more about specific trees.

The Department of Geosciences offers a deeper dive into the topography and climate of the area.

NOAA National Weather Service

Students coming from very warm climates are often unequipped for winter weather.  Here are some things you can do:

OUT AND ABOUT

1) Keep both ends warm.  Socks and a hat will help retain body heat. A scarf and gloves are essentials when it's very cold.

2) Don't wear all your outside gear (coat, hat, etc.) indoors.  Save them for when you go outside.

3) Long underwear (like the Cuddl Duds brand) is rated warm, warmer, warmest.  It's inexpensive and does an amazing job of keeping you warm, even in the cold outside.

AT HOME

1) Bedsheets come in three types:  regular, flannel, and fleece.  Regular sheets can be used all year, but flannel are warmer.  Fleece sheets are the warmest of all. 

2) A heated blanket or throw is usually under $50.  These are inexpensive to use (versus turning on the room heat).  Put one over the top sheet and under the blankets, not on top of the bed.