In Boston, we don’t just throw salt to ward off bad luck. Temperatures have hit a record low in the U.S. Nonetheless, there are many ways to battle the cold and enjoy this time of year.
It’s smart to cut back on outdoor exposure. Minimizing your time outside means spending less time in the freezing weather. Crank your heat up indoors and cozy up with a warm drink. Plan ahead by buying groceries in bulk and ordering your food to be delivered. If you have access to a gym in your building, you can get sufficient exercise indoors. If not, then at-home workouts are just as effective. Keeping active can improve your circulation, leading to warmer overall body temperature.
In terms of clothing, layers are key. This is largely beneficial when transitioning from outdoors to indoors as temperature tends to differ drastically. Uniqlo, located at 341 Newbury St., sells “HeatTech” clothing items that are perfect for this purpose. They are essentially thin yet warm layers of clothing, such as long sleeve shirts and tights, specifically designed for layering and warmth. Since no one will see your bottom layer, there is no embarrassment in repeating them a couple times a week. Other stores such as TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack also sell similar gear that is affordable on a college budget.
Though it is pricey, a high-quality winter coat is necessary to survive the winter in Boston and will last your entire college career. If you strike out of luck at local thrift shops, like Goodwill in Roxbury, brands such as The North Face, Patagonia, Fjallraven and the notorious Canada Goose sell good-quality coats and are located on Newbury, within walking distance. Eddie Bauer is a popular online brand that also sells high-quality winter coats that are more appropriate for a college budget. Winter coats for Boston should be waterproof and insulated, while also extending below the hips in length. For extra warmth, protect your extremities with fuzzy socks and gloves. Things, like putting on a hat or wrapping yourself with a scarf, may seem unnecessary but could make a world of difference. It is clever to wear many clothing articles because the differences in indoor vs outdoor temperatures are so drastic so that you can adjust your body temperature as much as is necessary.
I also find that a cup of tea or coffee warms me up nicely from the inside, in addition to keeping my hands toasty. Northeastern has multiple locations that sell warm drinks such as Starbucks (in Afterhours), TeaBot in Curry Dining, Dunkin Donuts, Tatte Bakery, Pavement Coffee and Panera located on and around its campus that are great for this purpose. Our campus is designed in such a way that helps students deal with the cold environment, including the underground tunnels that can take you from Curry to Holmes Hall without ever stepping outside. Take advantage of these winter tips and cozy up in a cafe while doing your homework or reading your favorite book!