“You do know it’s cold up there, don’t you?”

As an Oklahoma native, that was the first response of all my friends and family when I  told them I chose a college up north. 

The thought of winter — and more than just the occasional ice storm season I’m used to — was daunting.

But as I began freshman year and the first few trees turned, I had my first snowball fight, took trips with friends to explore Michigan in the fall, and realized it wasn’t half as bad as I originally expected.

So, here are a few tips from a Southern girl on how to both survive and enjoy the coming months.

 

Wear appropriate clothes and shoes.

This may seem self-explanatory, but it still amazes me how many people refuse to dress appropriately for the cooler weather. From sorority girls on pin day to crocs in the snow, remember to wisen up about your fashion decisions. 

Thankfully, the winter weather won’t arrive until late October at the earliest. That said, sweater weather has officially begun. Wear your sweaters with pride and joy.

Umbrellas and rain jackets also become a must in the fall and early winter. An umbrella has found a permanent home in my backpack after one too many unexpected showers. 

 

Take your vitamins, seriously.

I’d heard a few vague warnings early freshman year but paid no attention to them as I went along. Seasonal depression will find you, though, especially if you come from the south and are used to an abundance of sun. 

Symptoms look different for everyone, so monitor your mood and habits. If you start to feel off, start taking Vitamin D. Vitamin D is the drug of choice for many at Hillsdale and, as the months get colder and darker, you might find yourself in purgatory or hell passing it out to friends who have the blues.

Take a walk down to the health center if you would like to access a wealth of great resources. Even the library lets you check out sun lamps to use during study sessions.

Don’t forget the multivitamin too. Colds, flus, and coronas (both the beer and the virus) are already going around. Vitamin C is a must.

 

Enjoy seasonal activities.

Stave off the seasonal blues and take a break from impending academic stress by enjoying everything the cooler weather has to offer. 

The many colors of fall are no doubt one of the top highlights of Michigan. Go for a spontaneous photoshoot or start a leaf collection to mail back home. Stargazing under layers of blankets, traveling to local orchards and markets, and snowball fights made some of my fondest Hillsdale memories. 

While Hillsdale might seem small and lacking much to do — and let’s be real, it is — it still doesn’t take much to find fun adventures to do with friends. Attend a football game or enjoy one last trip to the Udder Side before it closes for the season. 

 

Blankets, fuzzy socks, and more blankets.

Did I mention you’ll want blankets? There’s nothing like cozying up in your dorm with a fuzzy blanket or two and reading Aristotle. 

I received so many blankets as graduation presents, mostly from concerned family members who thought I wouldn’t survive the cold. As fall and winter began to set in my freshman year, my room quickly became the hangout spot for friends who happily stole my many blankets—especially the electric one.

So, have warm attire ready. You’ll need it before you know it.

 

Hot beverages are a must.

Since you have those blankets now, you can’t not have hot drinks. It doesn’t matter if you drink coffee, tea, or cider. There’s nothing like a hot drink on a chilly day. Whether you’re curled up in your dorm or walking around campus, holding a warm drink keeps away the cold. 

Nothing beats study sessions at Rough Draft with a friend or two while enjoying one of the coffee shop’s tasty seasonal drinks.

 

So, don’t panic. I promise you the turn of the seasons won’t immediately induce hypothermia as you, or those at home, might think, but it always helps to remember a few tips and tricks to make it a little easier.