As the days get colder and colder, college students have to brave the harsh weather. But my belief is that we cannot let the cold win, so I have compiled a list of things to keep in the treasure chest we call a backpack to counteract the cold. Though nothing will beat a bed with endless Netflix, we must make the best of our situation.
1. Chapstick
Overlooked in the summer months, chapstick is a staple in my backpack. The long walk to class makes the skin exposed to the cold, dry lips included! I apply every time I sit down in class, even if my lips aren’t too dry. The best defense against the subzero weather is a good offense!
2. Hand Moisturizer
Whenever I am running late for class I usually forget to put on gloves, meaning my hands are attacked by the cold. Like I said before, the cold dries out your skin, so my hands become dry and flakey. To counteract that, I use hand moisturizer and quickly apply it before going into class (since sometimes it is smelly and people do not always appreciate it). Also, lathering on hand lotion in the middle of class can make it awkward to write with a pen or pencil since it could slide out of your fingers.
3. Tissues
Whenever I go outside, my nose constantly runs. Tissues are imperative to my winter backpack, since it is not always possible to escape to a bathroom to blow your nose (though you might have to give sympathetic looks around the class so people don’t look disgusted at you).
4. Hand Sanitizer
With the flu virus hanging around during the winter, hygiene is super important. After touching communal things (like a table, door handle, etc.) then touching your face or food, put some hand sanitizer on before the latter! If anything, it will also help you not get the common cold.
5. Gloves
As stupid as it may sound, having an extra pair of gloves in my backpack has come in handy! As I said before, I sometimes neglect to bring gloves and my hands suffer. Having a spare with me is always helpful, especially when I go to far away buildings.
6. Granola Bar
As the temperature drops, I get nervous to go outside (aka I become a hermit) so going to and from my apartment is not an option. I usually snack on a granola bar that will curve my hunger until I am able to get to the dining hall, or back to my apartment to make myself food.
7. Phone Charger
Along the same lines as before, I do not want to be making trips to and from campus, so I carry around my phone charger with me. It is easier to find a study place with a plug than to go home, or even stand around awkwardly at a charge it station.
In the meantime, let us just wait patiently for better weather.