Preparing for Cold Weather

Preparing for Cold Weather – What to Expect

With the changing of leaves in the fall comes the cool weather and a reminder that winter is just around the corner. The holiday season in the U.S. goes hand in hand with winter, and for many international students the Pennsylvania winters can seem long and overwhelming.

From now until the end of the semester the weather will get increasingly cooler. If you are not already wearing a jacket or coat, you soon will be. If you are a year-long exchange, degree-seeking, or graduate student and will be here past December, you will need to plan accordingly so that you are comfortable during the cold winter months. Winter in Pennsylvania is in full swing by December and usually lasts until March, sometimes even April if we have a particularly harsh winter. The cold temperatures usually start in late October and November is characterized by cold, dry temperatures with some rain and possible snow.

If you are not accustomed to the cold weather and do not know what to expect here in the Pennsylvania winters, here are a few tips that can help you better prepare so that you have a great winter season:

Buy Appropriate Clothes

The key to staying warm in the winter months is having appropriate clothing for walking to classes and spending those snowy weekends playing outside with your friends. Most of the heat loss from the human body occurs through the head and feet, so investing in good wool socks, winter boots and a warm hat can make a world of difference. You do not need to break the bank to buy the “best” winter gear on the market, but there are a few pieces that are key to keeping your fingers and toes toasty warm and dry in the cold temperatures.

  1. Light Jacket – Important for the variable fall and early winter weather, you do not want to wear a heavy winter jacket when the temperatures are not quite cold enough only to end up sweating when you arrive to class. Fleece jackets are perfect for layering, they can be worn over long-sleeve shirts and are thin enough to put a larger rain jacket or winter coat over when it starts to get wet and cold in January and February. This is a great and versatile staple to have in the winter.
  2. Winter Coat – If you are staying in Millersville for the year or longer, you will want to invest in a good quality winter coat. Again, you do not need to spend a lot of money with fancy designer coats; dressing for the winter does not mean it has to be expensive. It is important for a good winter coat to be a good length and well-insulated. Down feathers and materials such as synthetic down are the most common materials used in coats. Decide which material is best for you and how you want to wear and use your coat. If you will be layering your coat over a lighter fleece jacket you do not need a particularly heavy coat, you may want one that has a good outer-shell that is waterproof and includes a hood instead. Coat styles range from “puffer” coats and parkas, to ski coats and fashionable “pea” coats made of wool. This all depends on what you plan on doing in the winter.
  3. Gloves and Hats – Thin cotton gloves may be perfect for the fall, but if you plan on playing in the snow or traveling somewhere to go skiing or snowboarding you will want something a little more waterproof. The snow can get wet and heavy, which will ruin your cotton gloves and make your day in the snow miserable. Look for gloves with a “Thinsulate” liner inside, they will be your best bet for remaining dry and warm and can be found in most clothing stores for a very good price.
  4. Scarves – A scarf can help block the harsh wind during the weather transitions. A thicker scarf will provide more protection than a thin fashion scarf, and when winter arrives, you will want the added protection of a thick scarf.
  5. Warm Socks – Wool socks are the best option if you are going to be spending some time outside. Unlike cotton, wool stays warm even when wet, working to keep your own body heat inside so you are warm and comfortable. If you are wearing cotton socks, your feet will sweat and you will end up with cold, damp feet. Even if you do not have very good or waterproof boots for the winter, having good wool socks will save you. Invest in just one pair of merino-wool socks to keep on hand when you know you will be trekking through the wet snow. Make sure to check the label for the highest percentage of wool if you are buying a pair of wool-blend socks. These can be found in stores that sell winter coats and gear, as well as Amazon.
  6. Boots – UGG boots may be “popular” and “cute” but they will not only get wet and ruined in the snow, they will also give you quite the adventure walking to class before the sidewalks have been cleared of the snow. Well-insulated boots will keep your toes warm even on the worst days when the sidewalks have not been cleared and the ground is covered in ice and snow. Good boots are usually rubber on the outside and have a good rubber sole with warm liners that can be removed and dried when they get wet. Even if you decide not to purchase rubber boots, a popular choice is nice leather knee-high boots that work well in the cold weather, as long as you have some warm socks to pair them with.