RIT winters can be daunting. Heavy snows, blustering winds and sub-freezing temperatures all bundle together to make the season a struggle — not to mention the hit to student morale. The outside quickly turns into what some call a winter wonderland and others consider an uncrossable wasteland.
The RIT fall semester begins during warmer months, so it can be easy to forget about winter. However, there are plenty of things students can do to be prepared early.
Don’t Slip
The previous year was a rough one for ice with a salt shortage near the start of the spring semester. While this academic year will hopefully be improved in that area, ice will likely still be common. Hardened snowmelt on cars, solidified puddles on walkways and slippery patches on the Rochester roads are consistent in Rochester winters.
A warm pair of boots with some nice, grippy tread will go a long way towards preventing your early morning walk to class from turning into an ice skating adventure. They’ll also come in handy if you ever need to trek through snow or slush.
When traveling by car, invest in a snow scraper to speed up the process of de-icing your vehicle and drive carefully. Nathan Jankowski, a fourth-year Computer Science student, especially recommends that you “get all the snow off before you leave (including the roof), and know how your car handles on ice and snow.”
Watch Out for Wind
If the ice and snow don’t give you the shivers, the windchill certainly will. Krish Bhatti, a second-year Cybersecurity student, states, “The Quarter Mile gets very windy during the cold months, especially heading west towards the academic side…” These gusts can turn a beautiful, gentle, snowy day into a windy miniature blizzard.
While checking the temperature, pay attention to what it says the temperature feels like. If your weather app has a feature that clocks windchill, look at that as well.
Invest in clothes that insulate you against the cold and block wind — your warm fleece jacket or hoodie will be useless without a windbreaker or heavy winter coat. Don’t forget your gloves, hat and scarf as well. Your ears, neck and fingers will thank you.
Windchill (and the dry, cold air) will chap your skin as well, so don’t forget to grab some chapstick, vaseline or lotion. If you’re prone to winter nosebleeds, apply a small layer of vaseline to the inside of your nose or buy a humidifier for your bedroom.
Stock up on hand warmers, as most grocery stores stock them. Some stores also offer gloves with an electronic warmer component.
For those who want to avoid the seasonal weather altogether, RIT’s underground tunnels may present a warmer path. Though they don’t offer a path to every location on campus, they do a great job of shortening outdoor travel. The sooner you start exploring, the better you’ll be at navigating them by the time winter rolls around.
Keep Your Spirits Up
As the outside world becomes colder and the snows start rolling in, seasonal depression comes for many of us. It’s vital that you find a way to preserve your joy during the winter months.
Some students suggest finding ways to appreciate the changes winter brings. Patrick Killian, a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student, says, “Enjoy the snow! It’s a lot of fun to build snow people or throw snowballs and all the other things that seem childish.” Connect with your inner whimsy —make a snow fort or see who can build the largest snowman. Learn how to make maple taffy with snow or buy fruit flavorings for homemade snowcones.
For those who would prefer to stay away from the snow, there are plenty of solutions as well. Cozy up with friends for movie or board game nights or pick a hobby you’ve always wanted to sample and dive in.
It’s also important to stay physically healthy. Vitamin D deficiency affects mood and health, so consider stocking up on supplements. If you’re an exercise junkie, get those endorphins. If you’re less athletically inclined, listening to your favorite songs can give you a similar result — and provide a welcome distraction from the weather as you walk to class. If you struggle with seasonal depression (a common condition), consider checking out Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at the Student Health Center.
Treat yourself and your body kindly. If you feel sick, don’t be afraid to email your instructor and take a day off to heal; your classmates will thank you for not passing on your cold. Stop by the Corner Store or the Market at Global Village to stock up on your favorite flavor cough drops or some tea and honey and buy a couple pocket packs of tissues.
Though winter weather can be a struggle, there are tons of different methods to help you cope. Whether it’s your first time seeing snow or you’re a blizzard veteran, be sure you’re taking whatever steps you need to keep yourself safe and comfortable (or as comfortable as possible) this snowy season!
