When I told friends and family I was heading to Boston University, their first reaction was: \u201cHow on earth are you going to survive the cold?\u201d Coming from California, where winters barely require more than a light jacket, I thought, How bad could it be? Spoiler: Boston winters are no joke. California doesn\u2019t even make jackets equipped for East Coast winters.
\nNow, with two Boston winters under my belt, I\u2019d like to think I\u2019ve mastered the art of surviving (and thriving) in the cold. Here are my go-to tips for braving the winter\u2014and keeping seasonal depression at bay.<\/p>\n
Layer Up
\nLayering is key to surviving the unpredictable weather at BU. Back in California, I\u2019d toss on a jacket and call it a day. But in Boston, you\u2019ll experience everything from freezing outdoor winds to intense indoor heating, sometimes within the same hour.
\nMy personal layering formula? Start with a Uniqlo Heattech shirt, add a cozy sweater, and finish with a puffer jacket. This combo keeps me warm outdoors without overheating once I\u2019m inside. Trust me, layers are your best friend.<\/p>\n
Accessorize Smartly
\nWhen people warned me about BU\u2019s wind tunnels, I didn\u2019t take them seriously. Big mistake. The wind tunnels\u2014especially near the CDS building and StuVi II\u2014are no joke. To combat the brutal wind chill, invest in winter accessories. A beanie or ear-covering hat and a scarf you can wrap around your neck (or even your whole head) are game-changers. You\u2019ll thank me when your ears and face stay warm walking through those brutal winds.<\/p>\n
Keep your hands warm
\nCold hands are the worst. If you\u2019re shopping for a winter jacket, make sure it has pockets. If it doesn\u2019t\u2014or even if it does\u2014invest in a solid pair of gloves.
\nTrust me: by the time you walk to class, your hands will feel frozen and numb if you skip this step. I\u2019m practically begging you\u2014don\u2019t overlook this one.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t let the cold get to you
\nAfter three years at BU, I\u2019ve learned that winter is just as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Yes, the cold can sap your energy and motivation, but don\u2019t let it stop you.
\nFind ways to keep yourself active and happy. For me, going to the gym or going for a brisk walk helps beat the winter slump. Whether it\u2019s working out, meeting friends, or finding a cozy coffee shop to study in, do what keeps you energized and happy.<\/p>\n
So whether you\u2019re a first-year or a senior, these tips will help you conquer your next Boston winter. With the right mindset and a few essentials, you\u2019ll be ready to face whatever the season throws your way\u2014and maybe even learn to enjoy it.
\nBundle up and take on the cold\u2014you\u2019ve got this!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When I told friends and family I was heading to Boston University, their first reaction was: \u201cHow on earth are you going to survive the cold?\u201d Coming from California, where winters barely require more than a light jacket, I thought, How bad could it be? Spoiler: Boston winters are no joke. California doesn\u2019t even make … Continue reading Kenna: First Boston Winter? Look no further than CA Kenna’s tips on how to brave the cold!<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2018,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[44637],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bu.edu\/comblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5703"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bu.edu\/comblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bu.edu\/comblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bu.edu\/comblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2018"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bu.edu\/comblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5703"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bu.edu\/comblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5703\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5704,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bu.edu\/comblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5703\/revisions\/5704"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bu.edu\/comblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5703"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bu.edu\/comblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5703"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bu.edu\/comblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5703"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}