10 Tips to Survive Your First Winter in College
Winter won't be the same for everyone, as it will depend on the location. If you're not far from the Rockies, then you can expect a white Christmas (like the previous years). If you're not far from the coastline, then it might not be snowfall (like what you're folks keep on telling you). For instance, those who are living in the East Coast must wear a coat. It will be cold, really cold. Snow might be another thing, though. If you're a Texan, then it won't make any difference. (It's hot or humid in Texas.) It won't be fun to witness rainfall after the snow, though. (It's been the case in England.) College students can think of one (and only one) thing: How to survive the cold weather.
Your first winter in college can turn into an awkward experience, but you're not alone on this one. You can imagine almost half of your clothes in the closet coming out, and then wearing it to keep you warm. And you 're not used to layers of clothing. (You rather show off some skin, if not your muscles.) You can laugh about it, but it will happen many years after leaving the university. You yearn for the warmth of your own bed at home at the moment, but coursework is a priority.
Surviving the winter shouldn't be a serious matter, as you only need to approach it in a sensible manner.
This is How You Adapt to the Snowfall
Get hooked to social media. This is a good excuse to check those tweets, which has something to do with your alma mater. You're also a member of a Facebook group, which is linked to your college. You can get updates whenever there's a forecast of heavy snowfall. It won't take a minute to learn about the weather forecast for the next few days (or a week).
When it snows, use common sense. You don't like to shovel the six inches of snow in front of your house, but someone has to do it. (This is a non-issue if you're a dutiful child, but this is another matter.) College gives you an excuse not to get up whenever the path to your department is covered with six inches of snow. But call the department. Ask your coursemates. Check the outdoors. Make a decision. The next one has something to do with it.
It's sometimes better to stay indoors. If there is a forecast of more snow, then it might not be a good idea to do a walk. (If it's a long distance, then talk to your coursemates.) If you must drive to your college, then think of your safety. A slippery road might not be worth the trouble.
Bring your scarf and gloves. A big winter coat and durable boots seem good enough for a climate of around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but don't stay out for too long. Your face may get hurt from the cold. If you intend to go the distance, then the gloves should keep you warm. The same thing applies to scarf, but you don't want to bring several scarves (and cover your face).
Take it slow. You might fall unexpectedly, if not struggle to get your feet off the layers of snow. You may have fun, as winter happens once a year. Build a snowman. Throw snowballs at your dorm mates. Lie down in the layers of snow (if you dare).
Heavy snowfall can be a blessing in disguise. If you have an examination on that day, then you might rejoice about the postponement. (It turns out that you didn't prepare well enough.) You can check your planner, which enables you to figure out the assignment that you want to do on that day. Seize the moment, as you may never know how the next one will turn out. (If you have another deadline, then you won't resort to procrastination.)
Let the music inspire you. There are some instances when music will distract you from doing your homework. It's not the case on a wintry day, as the cold might make you sluggish. Heavy eyes follow next. Coffee may not be enough.
Work out. You don't need dumbbells, as push ups and pull ups will do. This will keep you going throughout the day, as your energy won't take a nosedive after several hours.
Watch a film (or your favorite TV show). It's the award season, which should be a good excuse to watch a foreign movie. If it's a contender for the Best Picture Oscar, then you can invite your friends to a screening (at the theater). Check out the forecast, though.
Plan ahead. You have lots of free time, so it might be good to schedule your activities and errands next week and the week after next.
Take a Trip
This might be the best option if you don't have examinations and deadlines to worry about. Some colleges offer trips, which is a better option than vacations. (You might miss classes if you opt for a do-it-yourself itinerary.) If you want to have quality time with your family, then a visit to the nearby ski resort may be a better option.
Snowfall can cause disruption, but it shouldn't lose your focus on your coursework. You must learn to adapt to cold, slippery conditions. You must love the layers of clothes. If your face is getting hurt, then it means one thing.
