Every college student is destined to see snow at some point while they're at school (unless they're one of the lucky people who attends college in a tropical climate). When the white flurries make their first appearance, there is an immediate sense of anxiety, both good and bad. College students cross their fingers for a snow day but dread the more likely possibility of still having to brave the storm.
1. Classes are most likely not canceled.
Unfortunately, your professors are real troopers. Unless there are at least five inches of snow on the ground, you are expected to be at class at 9:30 a.m. There is the exception of professors who live a good distance away and don’t want to be stuck driving in the snow. But otherwise, you better be there unless you want an absence.
2. You do have to walk to class.
There’s no special treatment for the snow. Get ready to bundle up and walk across campus to your classes. It most likely is slick and wet, so leave yourself some extra time to pay attention otherwise you are destined to slip. Don’t even think about driving over to get closer because you know the commuters have taken up all the spots closest to the buildings.
3. Rain boots do not keep your feet warm.
How many college students actually invest in a pair of snow boots? You go to school with the high school mentality that if it really snows that much, you won’t have class. Well, you’re wrong. And your pair of thin rain boots may keep the water out, but they definitely will not keep your feet warm. (That includes Hunters with the inserts!)
4. You will freeze.
If you’re anything like me, you leave your house in the morning with wet hair, which actually freezes solid. Otherwise, the rest of your body freezes. It doesn’t matter how many layers you wear, as long as that cold wet snow (and wind) keeps hitting you in the face, you’re going to feel like an ice cube.
5. You have to dig out your car.
“You need to move your car so they can plow the lot.” These have probably been the most dreadful words of college yet. Three hours later your car is finally dug out of the snow and has been pushed out of the icy lot. Unfortunately, you’re in college now so there’s nobody but your friends to help you dig out your car (and everybody else’s). The school may supply you with a shovel or two, but otherwise, you’re pushing snow around with a snow brush.
6. Roads are slick.
This means no Chipotle. You do not want to be driving anywhere. Also, depending on where you actually go to school, it may take a day or two for the roads to even be plowed sufficiently. If your car is snowed in, you won’t have to worry about getting anywhere. But if you decide to take the chance, be sure to drive slowly and very carefully because accidents do happen on slick roads.
7. Everything is slick for that matter.
Your Uggs do not have any sort of grip on them. If you go outside in Uggs after it’s snowed and everything is all slippery, you most likely will fall. Trust me, this Superbowl Sunday I went out to get snacks and slipped not once, not twice, but three times on the same trip down to my car. Moral of the story- everywhere you walk will be slick. Wear shoes/boots with a good grip and watch where you step.
8. The snow is wet.
If you fall in the snow in normal everyday clothes, you’re done for. It is wet snow, and in 0.05 seconds you will be soaked (if you unfortunately fall as I did). If you’re really lucky, you’ll fall 3+ times in one trip. And after the third time, you’ll just decide to lay there and accept your fate.
I really used to like the snow. But I guess a good portion of that had to do with the fact that I literally didn't have to do any hard labor; I would go outside to sled and take pictures. Now I have to spend a significant amount of time cleaning off my car and dragging myself to class in normal everyday clothes. And let me tell you, even sweats are not water resistant. Welcome to college.
