When you think about Syracuse University a couple of thoughts come to mind. Besides being known for their division one sports teams, out of this world school spirit, and top ranked public communications and business school, Syracuse is also known for something else, its weather. Syracuse is known for being one of the snowiest colleges in America. Once December hits, the snow rolls in and it's here to stay until almost April, and contrary to what you may believe, there are necessities you need to survive a Syracuse winter.
1. Buy a good pair of snow boots and down jacket.
Sorry to break it to you, but those Uggs that have sufficed to wear to school in the snow are not going to work anymore, unless you want frost bite on your toes. Before the snowy season rolls around you should probably head down to J Michael and purchase a pair of heavy duty snow boots. To match those snow boots, you might want to get a a down jacket. You may think a waist length jacket will suffice you for the winter, but you will regret that decision the first day you're walking to class. Even if it might not be the most form flattering jacket you've ever owned, buy a knee length jacket, you won't regret it.
2. Still bring your sunglasses to class.
Even though it's not summer anymore, there is the ever present problem of going snow blind! Those four feet tall snow banks create a lot of glare, and squinting all the way through the quad is a fool proof way to ruin your makeup, and create a massive headache. Moral of the story, don't skimp on the sunglasses!
3. Chapstick and hand cream are a must.
Not only does the weather make you shiver, but it also dries out your skin by making it itchy and tight. This is also known as winter itch because it is very common. Low humidity levels inside and out draw the moisture from your skin, leaving it dry, flaky and vulnerable. Go to Destiny USA before the wintertime and buy a travel size bottle of hand cream to keep in your bag every day.
4. Hand and feet warmers are probably a good idea for game-day.
You want those front row seats to the Duke vs. Syracuse game? Well you're probably going to be standing outside the carrier dome in single digit weather for a few hours. Go buy some hand and feet warmers to slip into your gloves and socks, when you're outside tailgating, or waiting to get into the dome. The cold gets to your bones, so hand and feet warmers are a quick, cheap way to fix this.
5. In terms of layers, less is not more in Syracuse.
In the dead of winter in Syracuse you can never have enough layers. Tank tops under shirts, shirts with a sweatshirt on top, is not as weird as you think. It may be a strange thought to you now, but when the real feel is -20 degrees, it will turn to a common thought.
