I am a chronic exaggerator when it comes to cold weather, which, by definition, includes any temperature below 70 degrees. (No, I will not cite my statement. It is a universally known fact). While I understand most people aren't as "freezing" as I am in October, temperatures in Mahwah are without a doubt dropping. Not only that, but the remnants of Hurricane Joaquin will be passing our way (or have already) at some point this week. Perhaps you aren't phased by the changing weather patterns. Some, for example, enjoy walking through the rain in autumn; others are already picturing the campus covered in snow. Regardless of your weather preferences, college students all have the same struggles when storms affect their daily schedules. I would say that we're all in the same boat, but connecting boat and storm imagery makes for a despairing article.

Ramapo friends, I write to you to raise awareness. How will we survive what Mother Nature throws our way this semester? Here are the necessities to consider.

1. Food?

If you get word of bad weather days in advance, immediately hop in your car, head to Shoprite and stock up on the essentials. If you don't have a car, hop in a friend's. If none of your friends have cars, expand your social circle.

In the fate that you never get to Shoprite and the dining halls are closed, there's always GrubHub (https://www.grubhub.com/). However, if the weather is really dangerous, restaurants may not deliver. If that is the case, knock on neighbors' doors and clutch your growling stomach for effect. Hopefully, some kind souls will bestow upon you some substantial nourishment. Like chips. Or Pop-tarts.

2. Clothes?

Investing in a raincoat and boots may be beneficial, especially for the next couple of months. Umbrellas are also good to carry around and "conveniently" take up space in your bag full of textbooks. Unfortunately, rain tends to come as a surprise and hit you when you are the least prepared (aka right when you get out of class). When that happens, write a letter to administration, suggesting an underground tunnel system be installed below the school. No need to feel outlandish; we've all been banking on that for a while now.

If you're like me, a round-the-clock shiverer who wishes she could sprout wings and head south, I would transfer all winter clothes from home to school early this semester. That's right, Mom, I'll be home soon. So what if you look a little silly wearing a fur-lined coat and six layers underneath in the middle of October? At least you'll be cozy.

3. Exercise?

Don't feel like walking to the Bradley Center in bad weather, but feel guilty skipping the gym? Goodness, please don't. You're in college. Every excuse is justified by college student logic. But, if you do decide to come out of your lethargic state, YouTube is overcrowded with workout videos of all kinds. You and your roommates can bond over a Zumba or yoga session. Or, for the less physically active, some deep breathing techniques. Hey, that's still exercise (college student logic.)