This episode is set during November in Wisconsin. Trees and bushes would've lost their leaves, but everything is still green. The weather would be more dismal, usually cold enough to snow, but students were shown playing Frisbee outside in flip-flops, and wearing tank-tops and t-shirts. The scenery appeared to be more like a spring day.
When Donna visits Marquette University, all the mascot signs read "Golden Eagles". Marquette teams were called the "Warriors" until 1994.
During the drive to the University of Wisconsin, modern cars and trucks are visible in the background.
When Donna is considering enrolling in Marquette and Eric is considering University of Wisconsin, Donna complains about the distance and the long drive they will have to make to see each other. Marquette is in Milwaukee and UW is in Madison, which are only about 80 miles and just over an hour apart.