Buffalo residents may be used to weather that can change for better or worse on a dime, but that doesn't mean that the remainder of the summer should go to waste.
Despite Buffalo's seemingly sour reputation for lack of things to do and crummy weather, there really are many enjoyable past times out there available for students.
Before the frost sets in, everyone should make attempts to check out Buffalo's weekend past times and outdoor endeavors that will soon be buried in the snow until May.
Scott Williams, a junior geography major, recommends hiking in the Niagara Gorge.
"There are hikes...for anyone who likes the outdoors," Williams said. "It's really nice in the fall once the leaves change."
Hiking is just one of Buffalo's hidden gems that many don't have the chance to experience because of harsh winters and grueling class schedules.
Letchworth State Park is another of Buffalo's spectacular natural scenic locations. Hosted by 17 miles of the Genesee River, offered are a variety of outdoor activities ranging from over 270 campsites to walking tours of the gorge.
Students looking for something less strenuous than an uphill cardio-hike can still enjoy the days of summer sporting flip-flops and lounging around.
"I like just hanging around outside, throwing the Frisbee or football around," Williams said.
Downtown Buffalo is home to Thursdays at the Square, a free concert held in Lafayette Square each week during the summer. A quick train ride from University Station on South Campus gives students the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Queen City as well as the after-party typically held at any one of Buffalo's primo bars or clubs.
Also offered downtown is Dunn Tire Park, home of the Buffalo Bisons. Located at 275 Washington Street, getting there is quick and easy, and tickets to playoff games are affordable.
In addition to enjoying summer activities, UB students should take advantage of the sunlight while it's warm out. According to David Scott Mackay, an associate professor of geography, Buffalo only gets sunshine 48 percent of the year, approximately 175 out of 365 possible days. Two-thirds of the sunlight Buffalo gets is during the summer months.
Sadly, students will soon be replacing their flip-flops with snow boots, and instead of throwing Frisbees, students will be chucking ice-scrapers in frustration. Above all, students should be prepared for winter weather in both transportation and time management needs.
"A snowbrush is probably the most important thing to have. Once your car gets iced up, you'll have to scrape it off. We've had ice storms that would coat your car with a fourth of an inch of ice," Williams said. "Make sure to have a warm jacket, a hat and gloves before you go out."
Remember to leave extra time to get to class once the winter weather hits and to keep supplies for winter transportation in your car.
Although the first day of winter isn't until December 21, Buffalo is known for having seasonably early snowfall.
In October of 2006, Buffalo was hit with a freak snowstorm coupled with thunder and lightning-an anomalous weather occurrence-which closed UB's campus for one week, while the city and surrounding towns struggled to get back up on their feet after suffering a 250,000-customer power loss.
It is important to be prepared for the worst here, because it is almost impossible to know when the next major snowstorm will be.
Photo: Courtesy of SUNY
