Coming from Columbus, Ohio, a place that has endured polar vortexes and days off from school not because of snow but because it was just too damn cold, the idea of having never experienced a true winter is completely foreign to me.
During the months from November to March I seek comfort, warmth, and shelter in my oversized black North Face parka, warming my hands around a blistering hot cup of coffee day after day, as the snow slowly turns from a glorious winter wonderland to disgusting piles of black slush. I forgot that some people have never had a true winter until my roommate, raised in Huntington Beach, Calif., told me she’s never experienced the true cold. Thus, she is my muse for this article, as I give tips for how to endure the upcoming winter.
Here’s my advice:
1. Wear leggings under your pants. It’s a frozen cold January morning and you have an 8 a.m. on the other side of Columbia. Trust me, an extra layer will feel like a godsend when you’re forced to leave your perfectly toasty bed.
2. Gloves, gloves, gloves! More than one pair of gloves is a must, as are mittens if the warmth of your fingers takes priority over your wintertime wardrobe aesthetic.
3. Lots and lots of sweaters.
Take a good hard look at how many sweaters you brought to college. How many do you have? Four? Five? Six? Not enough. You need at least 10 sweaters to layer up and mix and match outfits. Stay warm and cozy, my friends.
4. Protect your face. A scarf may be annoying to wear inside and keep but I am telling you your face will literally freeze off without it. Don’t forget to pick up one or two during your winter attire shopping.
5. DRY YOUR HAIR. I can’t tell you how many times my hair has frozen from being outside, even for a minute. Make sure your hair dryer is just as prepared for the winter as you are.
6. Snow boots.
Buy real boots; Converse or flats are not gonna cut it. You’ve got to be able to endure the snow, and I will honestly not judge anyone wearing Uggs from time to time. Those things are freakishly warm.
7. Your room. Make your room a cozy space, sheltered from the outdoors. It can be a safe haven from the brutal outdoors. Keep it clean and organized, and if the trek to Butler is just too much that night, you can kind of focus on the warmth of your dorm.
8. Liquid warmth.
Invest in a coffee maker, buying Starbucks to warm you up every day is not healthy for your bank account. Don’t buy into the corporate falsehood of cozy peppermint mochas at every street corner. Be strong.
9. Your coat.
A winter coat this the most important aspect of surviving the winter. Invest in it. Don’t choose strictly based on brand or designer. Do your research and find the toastiest coat you can find without having to sacrifice style.
10. Make your bed your reward. It honestly seems like the hardest thing in the world when you wake up before the sun to venture out into subzero temperatures. Just make sure you power through, work hard, and let your warm bed be your reward at the end of the day.
11. Go outside!
Some of my favorite childhood memories come from playing outside in the snow. Don’t be afraid to get cold and walk around in and even lay in this snow. Treat yourself to hot chocolate afterwards. Be the kid you were never able to be in a snowless childhood. ‘Tis the season.
