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snow field and green pine trees during daytime
snow field and green pine trees during daytime
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SBU | Wellness > Mental Health

Coping with the Cold

Meghan Lex Student Contributor, St. Bonaventure University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SBU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

The harsh change of seasons came as a shock to me. I knew choosing to go to school in Western New York that it would be cold. Last year before arriving on campus, I would check the weather in Olean in the winter and wince at the unbelievably low numbers. 

My parents would (and still) obsessively check a live stream of the outside of a building in Olean to see the immense amounts of snow piled up on the sidewalks and report the news back to me. 

So I knew what I was getting into. However, this did not falter my shock when it snowed on November 1st. The monumental 7 inches of snow earlier this week was astounding. As someone from southern New Jersey, I am accustomed to a few inches of snow a handful of times a year, not constant blizzards!

Buffalo culture is truly next-level. I always get a kick out of my friends’ warnings of “lake-effect snow” and explaining it to me for the tenth time because, for whatever reason, it’s a concept I simply cannot grasp. Nor will I ever comprehend the feet of snow that trap residents inside of their houses- wild.

Luckily, we are safely situated in southern New York, where, as my roommate said during the snowstorm –that I would personally deem a blizzard — “At least it’s not 7 feet of snow!” While this is a feat that I had previously thought to be impossible, Jess is right. It really isn’t too bad.

I will be leaning in. You can see me trekking across campus with my new snow boots, a cute Pinterest-inspired scarf from the Buffalo Primark, and my iconic heather-grey oversized jacket that ruins every outfit. In this attire, I may have a miserable countenance but know that in my heart I am not completely miserable (at least once I return inside). 

Although the winter is uncomfortable, it also brings unique fun. I went sledding with my friends after the storm, and we had a blast. And while it was unsettling to walk across five inches of snow to practice at 5 am, I do have to admit I did enjoy the small amount of inconvenience it added to my morning. 

The snow is a bonding agent. As my friends and I are trudging through the snow complaining and making TikToks, we are also cackling. I’ve found that the occasional snowball, when deployed correctly, can strengthen friendships.

And while I am petrified of the incoming weather that plummets into unbearable temperatures, I can only hope that my current whimsy follows me into the dark, frigid months to come.

Meghan Lex

SBU '26

Meghan Lex is a planning enthusiast, serving as Her Campus at SBU's co-president. Last year, she was the events and sisterhood coordinator and thoroughly enjoyed crafting bonding events for the chapter. Her writing often centers around wellness, but she dabbles in cultural and political commentary.

As a strategic communications student, Meghan is passionate about writing and researching. While her current career aspirations are fuzzy, she would love to explore the world of public relations. On campus, she is a member of SBU's D1 cross country and track team, SBU@SPCA, Jandoli Women in Communication, and College Democrats.

Meghan currently fills her free time by chatting with her friends and rewatching Glee for the fifth time. Although it may be controversial, she is an avid Rachel apologist.