As someone who had always lived in sunny Southern California and had never experienced a winter that dropped below 50 degrees during the day, my first winter in Boston last year definitely came as a shock. As I reflect back on my freshman year winter, I think of some of the many mistakes I made the first time around and how to beat winter this year.
Here are the 5 things I wish I had known for my first real winter:
- Your toes don’t have to be/should not feel frozen
I wish I had known that while you MIGHT be able to survive winter with just Hunter rain boots and a couple pairs of thin socks, it doesn’t mean you should! Snow boots aren’t always necessary but some thicker socks would have definitely decreased my worries of losing toes to hypothermia. - Don’t be afraid to dress like the little brother from A Christmas Story
If you’re like me and have a low tolerance for cold temperatures, it’s better to look like a giant marshmallow than to be miserable and freezing. If layers upon layers makes for an easier walk to class than I’m all for it!
3. Watch your step.
This is a direct reference to the slippery metal death traps on the BU Bridge.
4. Fleece-lined _____.
Fleece-lined tights, fleece-lined gloves, fleece-lined hats, fleece-lined flannels….the possibilities are endless! These are real game changers.
5. Don’t spend your entire semester indoors.
Some spots in Boston look the best with a layer of snow. You go to school in one of the most beautiful cities in the world so bundle up and go explore it.
