The varying weather is one downfall Penn State students put up with in State College. Due to the geographical location of Happy Valley, State College experiences weather changes from day to day. Living in Happy Valley forces you to check the weather app before stepping out for the day––you never know what the outdoors has in store.
These weird weather patterns not only make getting dressed difficult, but a certain phenomenon throughout downtown and on-campus makes walking difficult: wind tunnels.
No, there are no real wind tunnels in State College unless you count the one haunting the basement of Hammond. But boy, there are some areas in State College that, for whatever reason––building height, elevation, geography––create some really narly winds that aren’t for the faint-hearted.
Wind Tunnel 1: Distance from the intersection of South Burrowes Street and West College Avenue to the intersection of North Atherton Street and West College Avenue.
If you live at the Metropolitan, West College apartments or love a good trip to Minit Mart, you know this wind tunnel. Arguably, this wind tunnel is the strongest in State College. If the weather is already windy in Happy Valley, expect it to be at least twice as bad in this area.
A way to avoid walking down this area is to walk on the parallel street, Beaver Avenue until you get to the distance to turn onto whichever street you need to use to get to your location.
Wind Tunnel 2: The alley behind the Standard State College
This poor area gets no break from the wind. Right in between the Standard State College apartments and the Graduate, on West College Way, is a wind tunnel that gives the first wind tunnel a run for its money. If you look down the alley at any given hour, you’re bound to see someone’s bag flailing in the wind or someone chasing down a hat.
To avoid this wind tunnel, you can also take Beaver Avenue. Unfortunately for this pesky area, there isn’t much you can do but the tough the windstorm ahead.
Wind Tunnel 3: The sidewalk between the University Health Services (UHS) and the Career Services Center and Eisenhower Parking Deck
As freshmen, you know this wind tunnel well. Early morning walks to the Huck Life Sciences building seem like a brisk walk away––but no. The area between UHS, the Career Services Center, and the Eisenhower Parking Deck is a sneaky wind tunnel.
Whether it’s still (well, as still as it can be in Central Pennsylvania) or super windy, expect this wind tunnel to produce annoyingly strong winds at any hour. Try to avoid this area by walking around UHS or around the Career Service Center––if you have the extra time to do so.
Wind Tunnel 4: The infamous Shortlidge Road
Yes. Not only is Shortlidge Road the sweatiest road, but it’s also one of the windiest. So while you’re out of breath and drenched in sweat, thanks to Shortlidge, you can also lose your belongings in the wind. How fun!
While many people claim Shortlidge is unavoidable, there is a way to get out of walking up the treacherous hill. If you live more west of Shortlidge, you can try easing your way onto campus by walking up and over a few times until you reach your destination; however, if you are unlucky and live right at the base of Shortlidge, good luck, Charlie.
Wind Tunnel 5: In between the Nittany Parking Deck and the Moore Building
Thankfully, some of us are blessed never to have to touch north of campus. But for our educational folks, you guys aren’t so lucky. If you ever find yourself walking between the Nittany Parking Deck and the Moore Building, you know why.
It may be the tight space between the two taller buildings, but this alleyway is a force to be reckoned with. Walking between these buildings will have you swell with tears in no time.
To avoid this wind tunnel, walk in front of the parking deck until you can turn past this alleyway to maneuver to where you need to go. If you have to carry a lot of stuff to class or just used your new Dyson airwrap, the extra time is worth the hassle.
Where have you felt a State College wind tunnel? Let us know by tweeting us @VALLEYmag on Twitter.
