Ahhh the time has come. The time when all us students start to realize that winter is real and it's going to happen. This past year, Northern Ohio has been pretty lucky when it comes to snow. Usually by this point we would have had a ton of snow, but this year we've maybe received a foot in total. I'm not complaining, I'm not one for the snow, especially going to a school as big as Kent State. Walking to class in the cold can be torture, especially when you could easily just stay in bed and watch Netflix. However, class is a thing and it's the reason we are at school. So here's a few tips to survive the cold months this year.
Buy a good coat. My freshmen year, I only had a fleece jacket that I would wear in the winter during high school. Now in college, you have to walk to and from class... a fleece isn't going to cut it. I don't care if you wear a hoodie under it and a hat, get rid of the fleece. Spend a little extra money on something nice that is durable and will last. I recommend checking out some of the jackets from The North Face. Personally, I like the longer jackets that cover your butt. I promise you won't look stupid, you'll be warm and everyone will be jealous. If you're not into long jackets, try a 2 in 1 jacket. You'll get 2 different jackets that come together as one...this way you get more for your dollar.
Invest in good shoes. I cannot stress this one enough. DO NOT TRY TO WEAR UGGS OUTSIDE. I understand that Uggs are warm and comfy, but if you wear them outside, you will fall. Multiple times. More often than not, it will look nice out but little do you know, there is ice everywhere. I can't even count how many times I have slipped on campus. To prevent this from happening to you, I recommend buying a pair of Sorel Boots or L.L. Bean Boots. Both brands sell boots in all different colors, styles, and are both available for male and female. These boots are more expensive, however, I bought a pair of Sorel Boots two years ago and they still are in great shape. This is a must for this winter.
Bundle up. Going along with the two previous tips, you must bundle up. Go to the dollar store if you have to and get a pair of gloves, a scarf, and a hat or headband. If you are too warm by the time to class, you are doing it right.
Find a buddy with a car. For those really cold days where you just can't walk to class and it definitely should have been cancelled. Make a deal with your buddy that you'll drive them to class if they drive you to class. If you have a meal plan, tell them you'll swipe them and I guarantee it'll work. **If you are driving, please be extra careful. Like I said before, you can't always see ice on the streets.**
Stay active. Do not, no matter what, hibernate through the winter. Just because it is cold outside, doesn't mean the world stopped. Make it a priority to hangout with friends, go to the gym, and eat healthy even when you just want to cuddle up in bed. New year, new you, right?
Sign up for fitness classes. At the Kent Rec, you have to pay a fee to take the fitness classes. Once you buy the membership, you are welcome to a variety of classes for the whole semester. These classes include: Zumba, yoga, spinning, and core training. The hard part isn't working out, it's getting there. Use buying a membership as motivation to go to the gym. Stay fit this winter.
Stick to hot drinks. Leave the iced coffee for the spring. Bring a hot coffee, tea, or even just hot chocolate to class with you. This way your hand will stay warm holing the cup and by the time you get to class, the cold will have cooled down your drink so you can enjoy it.
Make a countdown. Start with a countdown to St. Patrick's Day and go from there. The middle of March is (usually) when it starts to warm up. Have something to look forward to. This will make those miserable chilly days a little more bearable.
