11 Things You Need to Survive A Michigan Winter
Start writing a post
Student Life

11 Things You Need to Survive A Michigan Winter

Because winter in the Mitten can get a little crazy.

3388
11 Things You Need to Survive A Michigan Winter
Adrian College

One of the biggest things I hear out-of-towners ask before coming to Adrian College is "What will I need for winter?". Winters in Michigan are crazy, it will be 25 outside one day and 50 three days later. We're known for freezing cold temperatures, lots of snow and a crazy season from about October to April.

Here's what you need to survive a Michigan winter.

1. Long, puffy coat

Not just a long or puffy coat, but a long puffy coat. Covering your butt is necessary when it's snowing or sleeting. And make sure it has a hood, even better if it's a hood lined with something soft and fuzzy. Make sure that it zips all the way up to your chin too, you don't want any bare skin showing in our subzero temperatures.

2. Fleece lined leggings

Don't go spend a ton of money on these because you can get fantastic ones at WalMart or Meijer (also a Michigan thing...). Not just a thermal pair of leggings but a pair lined with fleece. They're amazing and so much warmer than normal leggings and you'll be thankful you bought them when it's freezing and you're walking to class.

3. Long sleeve shirts

A black one and a gray or color of your choosing will be necessary when just a hoodie under your coat won't do. When you're sick of wearing hoodies and huge coats, a long sleeved shirt and tshirt under a lighter jacket will be your best friend. Not only is layering necessary for warmth but for your sense of style too sometimes.

4. Mittens

Not the expensive ones. Whatever you do, don't buy a pair of $50 gloves, you'll lose them, I promise. Go to the Dollar Tree or WalMart as soon as it begins to get cold and buy as many as you can because you'll leave them everywhere and never be able to find two matching ones in a month. They're just enough to keep your hands from freezing on your way to class.

5. Beanie

Beanies not only keep your ears warm but give you an excuse to not wash your hair before class, you're welcome. You can get these at Dollar Tree too and you can find Carhartt ones at Meijer that are extremely warm and amazing.

6. Rain jacket

For that awkward in between season that Michigan seems to love so much, rain jackets are the perfect weight to keep you warm, but not too warm, and dry.

7. Thick socks

Thick socks are another must. Knee socks are also the best, especially in your tall boots. Carhartt socks are just as warm as their beanies and you can get packages of four pairs of those as well at Meijer.

8. Scarves

You might be like me and think you won't wear a scarf, but, trust me, you will. When the air is frigid, the scarf is going to keep you warm and protect your face because nothing hurts more and makes you colder than a freezing face.

9. Rubber boots

An absolute necessity. In the in-between seasons, they'll keep your feet dry and then when it gets cold you can throw on your thick socks and be set.

10. Snow boots

Snow boots are a little more trustworthy than rain boots and warmer too. You don't always have to wear your thick socks with snow boots, but they don't often come up as far as a pair of rain boots will. Make sure you have a good pair of both.

11. Heated blanket

I never had one, but the freshmen dorms are freezing cold in the winter and a heated blanket will be a lifesaver according to all of my friends.

With these things, you just might be able to survive your first winter in Michigan will all of your fingers and toes and even your nose too.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Allison Fishman

1. Why is Wilson Hall so complicated to navigate? Even as a senior, I still get lost in Wilson. As a freshman, I was warned about the unnecessary complexity of the building, was laughed at by upperclassman for my confused looks on the first day of school and walked and rewalked the whole hall before finding my classroom. #annoying.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

Blair Waldorf For governor of new york

What life would be like if the people were led by Queen B.

1602
Blair Waldorf For governor of new york

Cynthia Nixon, a.k.a Miranda from Sex and the City, is running for governor of New York. I think that this would be the best decision that has been made in a while solely based off of the fact that almost no one knows New York like the cast of Sex and the City. This got me thinking about who else would be a good candidate to take over the city of dreams. Then I realized that Blair Waldorf, if she were a real person, would be my number one choice for governor. Here are five reasons why Queen B would be an excellent ruler.

Keep Reading... Show less
Student Life

Why Littles Rock

Who doesn't want to be an awesome big?

1364

We see ourselves getting further into the semester.

Keep Reading... Show less
Student Life

10 Things To NEVER Do In College, EVER

Just a little advice for the start of a new semester.

89231
Wikimedia Commons

College — a new place with new people and a new you! You're ready to get a fresh start on a new campus; before you start, however, there are some social rules that you should know. These are suggestions that you are not required to follow, but they are highly recommended. Here are ten things you probably should not do from now on.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

America's biggest party schools

These are known for their lively party scenes

1791
America's biggest party schools
Determining which schools are the biggest party schools is often subjective, but a some statistical factors you could use to make a judgement include (1) consumption, (2) drug usage, (3) strong greek life presence, (4) campus police records etc.

When a student at Auburn was recently asked, she explained: "These schools usually have, like, a super vibrant social scene, lots of Greek life (like my amazing sorority, duh!), and tons of exciting events happening all the time. I mean, we're talking about tailgates, themed parties, mixers with fraternities, and just, like, so much fun. But don't get me wrong, we still, like, study and go to class and all that. It's just that at a party school, the social life and having a good time are, like, major priorities for students."

Keep Reading... Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments