Winter has finally hit Starkville, and many dread facing these below freezing days especially when the temperature seems to drop even lower on campus.
Kaitlin Cassidy, freshman educational psychology major, said she hates the weather nowadays.
“Don’t go outside in this weather,” she advised.
Unfortunately, this is not an option for most students on these glacial days.
However, there are several things that can make these days a little more bearable. They might just get students up for that 8 a.m. class or at least get them to roll out of bed at some point during the day.
Gene McDonald, sophomore international business major, said he plans out his days to make the least amount of trips outside as possible.
“I plan to go to certain parts of campus for the day and stay there until I am forced to step outside once again,” McDonald said.
Another way to make the drive to class a little easier in the morning is to invest in an ice scraper. Scrapers with warm gloves attached to the top so that students’ hands survive the process are also available. These are worth the investment and solve the problem of an ineffective defroster.
Hunter Rawson, senior computer engineering major, said he has not enjoyed the wind that accompanied the freezing temperatures this week. He enjoys his time at the gym, but the cold weather has made him feel differently.
“The cold almost made me change my mind about going to the gym,” Rawson said. “Just walking outside is miserable.”
However, going to the gym is another great way to put some warmth back into one’s day. It is a great place to stay warm while also being productive. Swimming laps is another form of exercise many students do not incorporate into their workout routines. Swimming in the Sanderson pool can trick one into thinking they are on vacation. However, remember to bring a hairdryer – the cold air will feel even worse with wet hair.
Another way to stay warm without sacrificing money is to open up all the blinds in one’s house during the day and close them all at night. This allows sunlight to enter the house during the day, which greatly affects the temperature inside the house. Closing the blinds at night helps block some of the cold air outside. This also allows students to save on electrical bills throughout the winter season.
Some very simple tips to manage the cold are to turn your ceiling fan on reverse. It will push warm air down. Always wear plenty of layers and stock up on wool clothing. Many do not realize how much layering can save them from a miserable walk to class. Wear a hat, gloves and even a scarf. No one will be judgmental about doing so. Instead, they will be jealous of how warm and comfortable it looks.
Lighting candles and curling up with a good book are also great ways to enjoy the season. Winter does not have to be miserable. It gives students the excuse to stay inside and binge-watch Netflix while curled up in a blanket for hours on end. Embrace staying inside and maybe even finish that DIY you never got around to doing during these frigid weeks.
