Most people see wintertime as a chore because of all the extra layers, precautions, and inconveniences that come along with frigid weather and mountains of snow. But nevertheless, wintertime is coming upon us and we must prepare. That means bringing out the sweaters, long johns, and hot cocoa, along with a can-do attitude and a will to make it to class every day despite the ten inches of snow and the slick sheets of ice that cover the roads and sidewalks. To make sure that this winter season goes as best as it can, I have compiled a list of the most important and helpful wintertime items that can aid you in your journey to class, your long nights studying inside as the snow falls, and maybe just help you boost your mood when the days are short and cold.

1. A Long Coat

I know many people don’t like the looks of long coats (for reasons I do not understand). But I recommend giving them a solid try, especially vintage long coats—perhaps a nice wool one with a smooth neutral color or soft pattern that hits right at the middle of your calves. Long coats can be fun and beautiful focal points of your winter wardrobe. They are striking and they come in so many styles, colors, patterns, cuts, materials, and designs. Imagine walking to class every day wearing a stylish long coat that grabs attention and accentuates your haute couture sensibilities. And not to mention how warm these kinds of coats are! I’m sure we have all wished for something to keep our legs from freezing as we walk to class facing cold wind and snow. Long coats provide that important extra coverage that is needed when the weather drops drastically. Long coats are not only attractive fashion statements, but they are indispensable when the weather drops below 35 degrees.

2. The Shining

And by The Shining, I mean both the movie directed by Stanley Kubrick and the book written by Stephen King on which the movie was based. The story follows Jack and Wendy Torrance and their five-year-old son, Danny as they stay secluded in the huge and empty Overlook Hotel on the top of a mountain during the off-season winter months. This movie and book, given its dramatic, suspenseful and horrific subject matter, is a perfect scary movie to watch as the snow falls through the night sky outside your window. It is also a very good motivator for you to get out your room and do something fun— we don’t want to end up going crazy with a serious case of cabin fever like jack Torrance, now do we?

3. Travel Size Lotion

The cold air of winter can dry out skin quicker than anything, so be prepared with a bottle of lotion you can keep in your book bag or purse. Maybe try an all-natural lotion like Queen Helen’s cocoa butter, which can come in a handy stick form or Burt’s Bees hand salve. Our lips can get super dry as well, so try looking for these all-natural lotions that can be used on your lips and face as well as your hands and body. If you’re trying to keep with the holiday spirit, choose a lotion with a rich and warm scent like gingerbread, mulled cider, or peppermint—mmm!

4. Chili

Chili has always reminded me of sledding on my farm until dusk then coming into my grandmother’s house shivering and hungry for something hot and tasty. Personally, I love the chili my grandmother makes more than any other kind of chili anywhere. She puts in corn, three types of beans, ground chuck beef, tomatoes, peppers, and a slew of other vegetables and spices. Chili is the do-it-all meal. It has your hearty protein, your flavorful vegetables, and the warmth and spice to stave off the winter chills. Chili has everything you need packed into a nice little bowl. And it’s so easy to make! Get a big pot and add everything you want and need and then save the leftovers for next time. For a lovely list of all the best chili recipes out there, check out this New York Times Cooking webpage!

5. Tea Pot

I could expand this list and name all the hot drinks that are important to have handy during the winter months, but that would be exhausting. So instead, I recommend investing in a tea pot or a tea maker so you can discover the expansive list yourself. Tea makers can be used for not just tea, but making hot water for hot cocoa and brewing coffee. In winter, we need something warm and tasty to drink on our way to class, sitting in our rooms doing homework, or when we’re with friends watching Christmas movies. There are so many different types of tea that can make the wintertime bearable, maybe even fun. If the weather and final exams are getting you down, try chamomile tea. If you need a pick-me-up after a long cold day, try lemon balm tea. If you find you have had too much to drink after a crazy Christmas party, try milk thistle tea, which claims to boost liver function. Tea pots and tea makers can produce the perfect cup of comfort to warm you even on the coldest days.