A Rookie Can Survive Winter Too
As an international student and native of the equator, the thought of living in the cold eluded me for years. Therefore, when summer encroached into the month of October at the beginning of the academic year, I was convinced that I had brought the warmth with me from Ghana, and if that were the case, I could make it to the end of the year without being choked in the cold. These were the thoughts that gladly occupied my mind as the sun persisted in its spread of warmth, until one Wednesday afternoon when I watched a sudden darkness descend on campus at 4:30pm. It had been announced that we had switched into daylight saving hours, and this only meant one thing: winter was no longer coming- it was here.
In preparing for the brutally cold months ahead, I began asking friends (and strangers) how to survive winter, or rather if a rookie like me could survive winter at all. From the numerous recommendations made, I sifted some key points that I believe would be helpful to any student for whom winter remains puzzling. There is a way out of the fear, and after reading and practicing this, perhaps you will learn to embrace Mother Nature’s cold breath.
How to win over winter
1. Do not be fooled- winter is here.
No matter how long the summer lasts, all good things do come to an end. As such, it would be in your best interest to mentally prepare yourself for the cold months ahead by hunting for a warm winter coat and investing in a pair of comfortable boots. I should warn that though the campus may resemble a dense sea of grey and black during winter, you shouldn’t feel pressured to follow the crowd. Go forth and find your own colours; be that little splash of joy in the gloominess.
2. Make your space warm and cozy
Whether it’s by plastering fairy lights up against your wall or buying a plush red comforter, it is advised that you make your space as comfortable as possible since your room will become a place of refuge during the cold season. Lay a faux fur carpet against the cold white tiles, overcrowd your bed with soft pillows, layer your bed!! This will be essential for the times you’ll need to be wrapped up in warmth on a chilly day.
3. Create a winter playlist
Situating yourself in a comforting sound could be a great way to combat the solitude that prevails during the cold season. In my opinion, nothing feels better than a classic Coldplay track like ‘Green Eyes’ on a rainy day. Additionally, since music usually reflects mood, keeping a playlist helps you keep track of how you are feeling on the inside, which is something you should pay attention to during these times. If your playlists consists entirely of sad music for example, that might inform you to reach out and talk to someone about how you are feeling.
4. Take multi-vitamins
Multi-vitamins are reported as great health supplements and mood boosters during the ice-cold months. It is particularly recommended that you take vitamin D as there’ll be significantly less hours of sunlight, and vitamin C supplements to help with prevailing colds and flus. Always remember that a vitamin a day keeps the student okay.
5. Keep a cup of tea nearby
Always keep a cup of tea nearby- you never know when it might come in handy as a prop for the dramatic stance you’ll take at the window as you watch the snow fall for the first time (you should be outside to see this!) As Shivani Singh rightly wrote on Teafloor, drinking a cup of tea is like “giving yourself a warm bath on the inside.” I couldn’t agree more. It is always good to ensure that our bodies are protected against the cold inside and out.
P.S. Remember to take your flu shot before you arrive on campus!
6. Surround yourself with people
Friendsgivings, movie nights, etc. are great opportunities to get together with friends and talk about your first winter experience. Apart from this being a great stress reliever, it is the perfect time to recall and watch hallmark Christmas movies in preparation for the holidays. After all, what could be better than being huddled up with a cup of hot chocolate in hand whilst watching Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer for the 20th time? Savour these warm, priceless moments with your newly-found family.
7. Be present
Being mindful of the present isn’t something that is achieved instantaneously, but I hope reading and practicing being present will draw you closer towards this goal. Although this season may be a huge change from what you are accustomed to back home, it can be an enjoyable time if you cradle the experience as your own. Treat yourself to an extra muffin at Hewitt when you feel as though you’re making progress with acclimating; take the subway down to Bryant Park’s winter market, or even closer, take a stroll along College walk and admire the Christmas-lit trees. And when the snow finally comes, go outside and build yourself a snowman. That’s when you’ll know that the magic, the real magic, finally, is here.
Works cited
Singh, Shivani. "Changing Seasons And Super Drinks: Benefits Of Tea For Winter Woes." Teafloor, Teafloor, 19 Nov. 2018, teafloor.com/blog/benefits-of-tea-for-winter-woes/.