How to stay on track when Tennessee weather disrupts campus life
Snow week can feel like a surprise pause button. One minute you’re headed to class, the next you’re refreshing your email to see if campus is closed or classes are moving online. In Tennessee, inclement weather can shift schedules fast—and when you’re juggling classes, work, and real life, that disruption can feel overwhelming. The good news? Snow week doesn’t have to knock you off track. With a little planning and flexibility, you can protect your momentum and keep moving forward.
Here are five practical ways to make snow week work for you:
1. Stay connected to official campus updates
When the weather changes, information is your lifeline. Make it a habit to check your school email, student portal, and learning management system daily. Professors may handle snow days differently—some cancel class, others shift online, and some extend deadlines.
Turning on notifications and bookmarking key pages can save you stress and prevent missed updates.
2. Communicate early with professors and supervisors
If snow affects your ability to attend virtual classes, complete assignments, or get to work, don’t wait. A quick message explaining your situation shows responsibility and helps set expectations.
Most professors and employers understand that winter weather creates real barriers—especially if you’re dealing with unreliable transportation, power outages, or limited internet access. Speaking up early protects your grades, your job, and your peace of mind.
3. Build a flexible snow-week routine
Even if classes are canceled or moved online, structure still matters. Without a plan, it’s easy for assignments to pile up and motivation to drop.
Try setting aside specific blocks of time for:
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Checking class updates
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Watching recorded lectures
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Completing small assignments
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Rest and reset time
You don’t need a perfect schedule—just one that helps you make steady progress.
4. Lean into available support
Many campus services continue virtually during weather closures. That can include tutoring, academic advising, counseling, and library resources. If you’re stuck, confused, or fee
ling overwhelmed, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Always tap into the Persist team via text (615-235-0338) or even a DM on our instagram page.
If internet access is an issue at home, look into community spaces like libraries or trusted local locations once it’s safe to travel.
5. Take care of yourself, not just your to-do list
Snow week isn’t only an academic disruption—it’s a mental one, too. Stress and anxiety can creep in when routines change suddenly. Give yourself grace. Stay warm, avoid unnecessary travel, hydrate, and rest when you can. A slowed pace for a few days does not mean you’re falling behind—it means you’re adapting.
Final thoughts
Snow week may interrupt your plans, but it doesn’t define your semester. Staying informed, communicating clearly, and taking care of yourself can help you stay grounded, even when everything feels uncertain.
At Persist, we know college success isn’t just about perfect attendance. It’s about learning how to adjust when life happens. If you need support, encouragement, or help creating a plan during weather disruptions, your coach is here for you. You’ve got this – even when it snows