<p>Uh, lets see. The kid is going to college, right? You expect kid will study a bit? Party a bit? Sleep a bit? Most kids do those things indoors. </p>
<p>Seriously, campuses are self contained cities for a reason. If a kid wants to spend lots of time outdoors in below zero weather, they can - no parents around to tell them otherwise. If they don’t, they’ll manage, too.</p>
<p>I always get a kick out of parents or students who want it all - excellent academics, excellent weather, etc. etc. There’s only one Stanford, and I suspect that’s no accident.</p>
<p>I’m CA born, midwest raised, lived as an adult in CA, Midwest, TX, MA, among others. IMHO, the absolute WORST weather is Texas. To spend the long days of June and July indoors because the 100+ temps are just too unbearable outdoors is the pits. Give me a parka, boot and mittens any day. You can always layer on. You can’t strip beyond…</p>
<p>BTW, Chicago is not always colder than Boston. This past winter was actually colder in Boston, not to mention the snow difference (about 25" compared to 90")</p>
<p>One final bit of advice: Don’t start buying too soon. Every fall these threads are full of comment about kids and parents buying the wrong winter gear. Let them go in the fall and check with dorm mates about what works, what’s in style etc.</p>