Winter term is exciting as there are many exciting courses to take and most of your friends are on campus. It is also the most difficult term for commuting to school. In the spring term it’s easier to go back and forth to your place by bus or walking. In winter it takes much longer, and you exert much more energy.
Walking in the snow wearing a heavy winter jacket and boots will double the amount of time it takes you to get back to your place. If the ground has ice on it, you will be walking at a much slower pace than usual. Buses are dependent on the weather for any delays and the volume of passengers on the bus for it not to stop. To reduce the number of trips you need to make to get back to your place, here are some of the things you can equip yourself with this winter.
- A lunch bag
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Although it seems like the simplest thing that we all used to have in grade school, it can be very helpful when you have a full day in class. You could go buy food at the plaza or on campus, but depending on how long the lines are and how much time you have, bringing a few snacks or lunch can save you tons of time.
- A Thermos or water bottle
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It’s common for people to have a water bottle on them. Having a water bottle or thermos that can stay warm will be useful on days below -10C. That way, you can save money by not buying tea or coffee at Tim Hortons or Starbucks on campus.
- Anything you may want to read/study for if you have free time
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You may have half an hour or an hour before your next class. If you find yourself with time available to study, then you want to have any notebooks or papers that you need with you. If you don’t feel like studying, but want to read a book or do something else, make sure you bring whatever you want to occupy yourself with.
- An extra sweater, cardigan, or blanket
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Some of the classrooms can get really cold! If you are in a room like AL113 where you barely have space for yourself, wearing your jacket may feel uncomfortable. You can have an extra sweater to throw on or even a blanket to study on campus to keep warm and cozy.
- Chapstick and lotion
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It is so easy for lips and hands to get dry easily, especially with the winter cold. Keep Chapstick and hand lotion on you so that they don’t dry up!
Stay warm this winter!