As a first-year student from California, the idea of a New England winter has always felt mythical to me. The snow, the vibes, all of it seemed fantastical. I have long claimed a love of cold weather that has often earned questioning looks from my fellow Californians, but as a brand-new Bostonian, I have yet to experience this winter for myself. Whenever I tell someone from New England that I am from California, they respond with pitiful smiles, warning me about the cold. Even my older sister, who moved east five years ago, has been cautioning me about the treacherous months ahead. Through conversations with those who have experienced this legendary winter, I have accumulated some tips for a successful season.Â
When it comes to dressing for winter, layering has been the top suggestion. From Uniqlo’s HeatTech long underwear or even leggings under your jeans to a durable, good-quality jacket, the goal is to wear as many layers as an onion. Essentially, it’s important to be prepared for how drastically the temperature can change throughout the day. While it might be 30 degrees outside, it can be at least 60 degrees inside, so being able to adjust your layers to accommodate this switch is vital.Â
I have heard conflicting opinions about winter footwear. Some people emphasize the need for a good pair of warm snow boots, while others say that Uggs or sneakers are enough. I’ve personally opted for the boots approach, but that is mostly because I don’t want to ruin my Uggs. This choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.Â
I’ve been warned about the wind. Not just any wind, but the kind that makes you lean forward when walking to class, sneaks through every crack in your coat and flips your umbrella inside out the second you step outside. Boston wind is its own beast. As an International Village resident, I can confirm that the Ruggles stairs and infamous wind tunnel are truly lethal.Â
My sister has stressed the importance of taking vitamin D (please check with your doctor first before blindly following my advice). In her words, “Seasonal depression is real.” She says the darkness can creep up on you, not all at once, but slowly. First come the early sunsets, then the cold that keeps you inside, and before you know it, the days start to blur together. Her biggest advice: Find little things that make you feel alive, whether it’s journaling by the window, making warm tea every morning or going on winter walks even when it’s freezing outside.
Beyond staying active and taking care of your body, my sister recommends affirmations. She shared some of hers with me: “7 p.m. is not late. Your day is not over at 7 p.m. You are allowed to leave your house after it gets dark. 7 p.m. is early.” She says things truly get rough when the sun starts to set at 4 p.m. It’s not just about convincing yourself that the day isn’t over once darkness falls, but about learning to live by your own rhythm instead of the sun’s. I’ve already started preparing my own affirmations, like “You will survive your walk to class,” because I know the cold will try to keep me inside.Â
When the sun is out, you should be out! I’ve been told, and I can definitely imagine this happening to me, that once it gets cold, no one wants to go outside. Still, it’s incredibly important to make plans, follow through, try new things and have fun this winter. I’m determined not to let the cold trap me at home. I want to go ice skating, explore coffee shops and experience the kind of winter I’ve only ever seen in movies. Maybe it will be brutal, maybe magical, probably both, but either way, it’s all part of becoming a true Bostonian!Â