<p>As a Californian who now attends Oberlin College, I will say that the winters are bearable. But yourself a thick jacket, gloves, and waterproof shoes. Something for your head would also be a good idea. January (when winter term starts) is the coldest month. Try to do Winter Term at home or in a different state if at all possible. By the time second semester starts (in February) it’s still really cold, but it won’t get as cold as, say -15.</p>