As winter break began to wrap up, I couldn’t help but feel slightly envious of my friends heading back to warmer weather; the idea of returning to a school on the west coast or in the south sounded absolutely ideal. I’m sure anyone who was brave enough to venture out the Midwest for college has experienced this sort of “buyer’s remorse” with regard to their college choice. However, though longer days and more sun may be nice, overall, going to school in the cold seems to have benefits that outweigh any costs.
1. You get to take advantage of winter attire — There’s a certain irreplaceable cozy and chic feeling that a circle scarf, riding boots, and fur trimmed parka provide its wearer that a tank top and jean shorts simply do not.
2. You can experience all snow related activities — Ice-skating, skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and building snowmen would never be available in weather that barely skirts 60 degrees.
3. You help protect your skin from skin cancer — I love being tan as much as the next girl, and if I were at school in Arizona, for example, there is a very high chance I would spend at least an hour outside a day under the sun. So, by going to school in the cold, I am really just helping myself by keeping my skin healthy.
4. You don’t have to shave your legs as often — If you read that sentence and thought, “Gross! I still shave everyday,” stop lying to yourself. Shaving your legs on the daily when you need to show them off in skirts and dresses is annoying enough when you have to do it for the summer. At least in cold weather, your legs are hidden under leggings or jeans all day.
5. You get to attend parties with fun winter themes — With winter weather comes a plethora of party theme ideas, i.e. “Winter Wonderland,” “Snowpants or No Pants,” and “Ugly Christmas Sweaters.” Sure, at a school in warm weather I suppose you could have such parties, but anyone who shows up to a party in Florida in snow pants is just being a poser.
6. You live through all four in a year seasons — Too much singularity is never a good thing, especially in weather. A little variety keeps things exciting, especially when that variety is a different landscape every three months.
7. You get take and see “Winter Instagrams” — Too much singularity in an Instagram newsfeed is also never a good thing. Sure, beach Instagrams are great, but the feed needs a little variety that only “ice covered lakes” and “Starbucks cups held in your mittens” photos provide.
8. Your spring break is so much more exciting — Going from warm weather to more warm weather doesn’t have the same thrill factor that going from bitter cold weather to warm weather has. You will be able to fully embrace and not take for granted your time on the beach!
9. You get snow days — This one is easy. Tell me the last time UCLA had classes cancelled because of snow. Exactly.
10. You have ideal cuddle weather — I’m aware this reason is extreme girly. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing like cuddling with a boyfriend inside while it’s snowing outdoors. And if you’re like me (boyfriend-less) you can cuddle with your body pillow… it has the same effect I promise.