If you live on the East Coast, you are definitely used to snowy winters. But being at college means you are surrounded by people who come from an array of states and countries, and many of these people find the weather to be, well, a bit shocking. Those who have never seen snow before may find themselves in awe with exhilarating “first snow” of the season. Until this repressive winter suffocates you under 10-foot snow banks, and roads slick with black ice lead to you slip in the least graceful way possible. This winter numbs your heart, and suddenly you are stranded in the deafening silence of empty streets.
I look at the temperature and crave an endless summer. For a few months, the restless feeling associated with winter lingers. But there is nothing I can do but wait for the passing of time. I know Brad Paisley wants to "Beat This Summer," but all I can think about is how I must find a way to beat this winter.
1. Take out your skis, sleds, and snowboards.
If you go to a school that's very hilly, you'll appreciate a big snow storm for these reasons. Whether you steal a lunch try from Owens and go sledding like the students at Virginia Tech or go snowboarding on the hills of Richards and Rauch at Lehigh, you are guaranteed to have a fun time. For those of you not necessarily looking for the adrenaline rush of backflipping over a self-made ramp, it's always fun to watch our friends land their jumps...or not.
2. Endless games of Cards Against Humanity, Anomia, and Apples to Apples.
3. Watching old movies and favorite TV shows for hours.
There is never a wrong time to binge watch "Gossip Girl," "One Tree Hill," "White Collar," or any of your favorite TV shows.
4. Reorganize your dorm room and attempt to get your life together.
5. Hike to where you can find food to avoid starving to death.
When there is 30 inches of snow outside, you realize quickly that Easy Mac is your new best friend. But if you just simply cannot settle for this nutritionist's nightmare of powdered cheese and processed pasta, you might actually have to put on your snow boots and hike to the nearest Dunkin' Donuts or pizza place—if it's even open.
6. Bake your favorite desserts, and drink hot chocolate.
Yes, these are definitely cliche, but are nonetheless staples to every snow day. But when else do you have time to bake red velvet cupcakes and cookies? Although you might open your fridge to discover that you drunkenly ate all of your cookie dough the night before. Oops.
7. Pond hockey.
No matter how uneven the ice is, you can always find people playing pond hockey.
8. Workout.
Since running outdoors isn't the most enticing thing to do in the midst of a brutal winter, the gym will be your go-to place to escape the weather. Check out Spotify's workout playlists, and you'll never want to leave the gym.
9. Yoga.
If you are looking for some inspiration, check out https://rachelbrathen.com or @yoga_girl on Instagram. Rachel Brathen, more commonly known as "Yoga Girl," is your go-to for incorporating yoga into your lifestyle this winter. Her enlivening pictures and motivating quotes will have you wishing you could experience one of her classes firsthand.
10. Drink until you forget it's winter.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
