Wearing shorts in 40°F weather “because we can.”

Wearing shorts in 40°F weather “because we can.”

Ivy League Traditions

WEARING SHORTS IN 40°F WEATHER “BECAUSE WE CAN.”

Follow us for more dives into the traditions that shaped our Ivy experience.

Remember those crisp, biting campus mornings? The kind that promised frostbite, yet you’d invariably spot them – or perhaps you were one of them. Legs bare, a defiant stride through the icy chill, a quiet badge of honor against the elements. It wasn't about comfort; it was a statement. A silent nod to a shared madness, a collective spirit that whispered, “we’ve got this, no matter what.”

This wasn’t merely a fashion choice. It was a weather-based ritual, a subtle thread in the rich tapestry of our unique academic journey. A small act of rebellion, a testament to resilience, or perhaps just a stubborn refusal to conform to sensible winter wear. It surely fell into the “loved” category of “Traditions We Loved (or Hated),” if only for the sheer absurdity and camaraderie it fostered. It built an unspoken understanding, enduring the cold, conquering the academics, and quietly declaring, "we thrive here, on our own terms."

For current students, it’s a living tradition, a daily defiance of the forecast. For alumni, it’s a vivid, often humorous memory that brings a smile, reminding us of that particular brand of youthful invincibility. It connects us to a time when anything seemed possible, even a walk to class in shorts during a deep freeze.

What quirky weather traditions do you remember most fondly?

#IvyLeagueLife #CollegeTraditions #StudentExperience #IvyAlumni #WeatherProof #CampusLife #HigherEd

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