It's no secret that Wisconsin winters are incredibly brutal. Between the wind chill, icy sidewalks, and snowy streets, it's a vicious battle against the elements. One of my biggest struggles when I came to college was adjusting to winter in a tiny, freezing dorm room without my mom's homemade chili and a roaring fireplace to warm me after a long day. After four years, here are a few tips I've learned about surviving a Wisconsin winter while in college.

1. Use hand warmers.

Walking to class? Take a tip from hunters, and use hand warmers and foot warmers. Tuck these into pockets, gloves, or inside boots for warmth that will last for several hours. You can usually find these at Walmart in the outdoors section.

2. Moisturize.

Skin can get dry and dull looking during the winter due to lack of moisture. To combat this, try exfoliating your skin using a sugar scrub at least once a week. Resist the urge to crank the shower as hot as it'll go because the hot water will dehydrate your skin! Moisturize with your favorite lotion at least once a day, and try immediately after a shower and before you go to bed for all-day moisture.

3. Park your car facing the east.

When the sun rises, it will defrost your windshield. That will save you time scraping off ice! If you can't face the east, invest in a solid ice scraper with a brush, and allow plenty of time to warm up your car before you start driving.

4. Shave your sweaters.

My favorite thing to wear on a chilly day is a cozy sweater. However, my biggest pet peeve is after I own a sweater for a while and pills (little balls of fabric fiber) start to appear. An easy solution is to take a razor and literally shave your sweater until all the pills are gone. A good idea to prevent pills in the future is to turn your sweaters inside out before you wash them, use a liquid detergent, and air dry your clothes.

5. Dress in layers.

Dressing in layers is a great way to stay warm. Try fleece-lined leggings underneath pants for extra warmth, and invest in fleece-lined tights under dresses and skirts (T.J. Maxx always has a good selection). Heavy crew or knee socks are also crucial to keeping your feet warm!

6. Make hot drinks.

If you have a long walk to class, make a hot beverage like tea or coffee to carry with you. Not only will you have something to warm your hands, you'll have a delicious treat to enjoy during class!

7. Get winter gear!

I'm serious when I say this, and it should be a no-brainer, but invest in quality winter gear! I've met so many people who wear sneakers and fleeces to class and complain about the cold. In my experience, a long parka or wool coat works best, and having a pair of snow boats will help you avoid slipping on ice. The North Face, Eddie Bauer, and Sorel are my favorite winter brands. Put them at the top of your Christmas list next year, or hit up the after-Christmas sales!

8. Invest in a heater.

If your house or dorm is always cold or dry, consider purchasing a space heater or humidifier. These two gadgets will keep you warm, add moisture to the dry winter air, and will make your home a little more comfortable.

Stay warm! Only three months left to go!