I never realized how different the same season could be in different places until college. At home on Long Island, it usually gets cold and icy around the end of January and snows on and off until March. In Poughkeepsie, the below zero temperatures can begin as early as November, and outside remains a frozen tundra through March and sometimes into early April. Marist students know that there are some things, good and bad, that only they can experience during a chilly New York winter.

1. Campus becomes a wind tunnel.

Walking to class feels like facing a tornado - a very, very cold tornado. Don't even bother doing your hair - it'll never last. Last year, I took every measure to avoid walking in front of the library and facing the cold wind even if it meant a longer walk.

2. Snow dust.

As the wind picks up, snow flies everywhere. And while it looks magical, it stings your face and leaves you red and unable to see. I wouldn't be surprised if I saw people wearing goggles to protect their eyes from this deceitful snow dust just to make it back to their dorms.

3. Sledding down the hill in front of the library.

Generally people don't think to bring a sled to college, so you see students sledding down the hill on pieces of cardboard or garbage can lids - whatever they can find, really - and having a blast.

4. The utter joy felt when that email from John Gildard comes announcing a snow day.

We get quite a lot of them. It seemed that John was constantly blowing up everyone's phones in the spring 2015 semester, and we barely had class because of all the snow days. This allowed for dorm parties and sleeping in, some of the few upsides to having four feet of snow on the ground.

5. The frozen river.

Returning to school after winter break last year, I noticed the river was completely frozen over. This really made it feel like we were in the tundra, but provided a beautiful and winter wonderland-like atmosphere.

6. Icy rain.

I always thought that frozen rain was simply snow, until I went to a northern school. It turns out rain can be very icy and cold and is actually painful to walk through to get to classes. These are the days to save skipping class for.

7. The need to be covered head to toe in some heavy material.

Due to the wind, snow dust, and icy rain, I considered investing in a ski mask just to walk the short distance to classes as my parka, scarf, hood, hat, gloves, and boots didn't seem to be enough.

8. Walking to Fontaine feels like climbing Mount Everest.

It's a long, cold, and treacherous walk.

9. Gaining 10 pounds because the walk to the gym just isn't worth it.

Between snacking at snow day parties and refusing to step outside, it's easy to gain weight and never make it to the gym. It's just way too cold.

10. The yearn for spring.

As soon as even a 45-degree day hits, you'll find students without jackets and maybe even T-shirts because, compared to the winter temperatures, anything above freezing might as well be summer.