As we approach November, the days get shorter, the air gets colder, and everyone’s mood tends to take a turn for the worse. After the leaves have fallen and campus turns from beautiful to drab, we begin to wonder, “How will I make it through another winter?” There’s no need to transfer to some school in Florida just yet. Getting through winter on campus is as simple as you make it. After surviving roughly two decades of frigid seasons, I’ve learned the only way to get through it is to start preparing early. Here are a few ideas to help you make it through the snowy season.
1. Keep your living area bright and happy. It’s no secret that when it’s dark and cold outside, the temptation to lay in bed and watch movies all day is almost too much to pass up. Since natural sunlight is becoming scarce, try to add a few extra lamps or decorative lights. This will brighten up your room without having to rely on the harsh lights some dorms and apartments provide. It also never hurts to put up brightly colored posters, flags or other mementoes on the wall if they aren’t there already.
2. Physically prepare your living space for the cold weather. As much as we hate it, the time is coming where all windows must be shut and we need to winter-proof our bedrooms. Don’t be afraid to bring up your warmest blanket and maybe even the Snuggie nobody but your family knows you have. A carpet on the ground helps keep the area warm as well as putting something in front of your door to keep out any drafts.
3. Embrace all the winter-only activities! Though the mounds of snow and below freezing temperatures aren’t really ideal, there are some activities you can do in winter that are out of the question in warmer months. Snowboarding, skiing, outdoor ice skating, and playing in the snow are all things that are only seasonal, so you might as well look forward to them!
4. Stay healthy. Whether it’s constant workout sessions or loads of vitamins, do whatever will keep you feeling good. Having to stuff your pockest with tissues or bury your face in a sleeve to cough makes getting out of bed downright painful. Keeping healthy and germ free is important to your daily routine and life.
5. Fill up your closet with a winter wardrobe. Not that winter outfits can’t be cute, but if you think it’s a good idea to consider fashion over comfort anytime from November to March, you’re sadly mistaken. Everyone on campus is in the same situation and all of us will be bundling up like snowmen once the temperature drops. Don’t be afraid to bring up those hefty winter boots or silly looking gloves because you’ll really appreciate it when the time comes.
Best of luck this winter! Hope to see you all at spring break.