Winter Tips for the Out-of-State-College Student
Brrrrrr, is it just me or is it cold outside? For those of you not paying attention, Rexburg got its first taste of winter snow on Tuesday, October 12, 2021. If that’s not a forecast for a cold and early winter, I don’t know what is. Now, for those of you who are attending school from out of state, this may be your first experience with snow. If so, congratulations! Winter weather can be great if you know what you’re doing. But for those of you who need it, here are some winter tips for out-of-state college students.
Drive Slower
I’m often asked, “what’s the trick for driving in the snow?” Well, the answer may not be the one you’re looking for. There is no real trick, you just have to drive slower. A good rule of thumb is to drive five miles under the speed limit. Then for the highway, reduce your speed so you are five car lengths away from the car in front of you, as opposed of the usual three car lengths. Too many drivers have been surprised by black ice and it’d be a shame to see any more BYU-Idaho students be injured or worse while driving. So, for any of you with a car, plan to leave early and don’t rush when you’re on a road.
Prep Your Apartment
Most people overlook the inside of their apartment when dealing with the snow. But, winterizing your home is the most important part of staying comfortable this season. First off, you’re going to need to change some habits in order to keep everything warm and dry. Prep your doorway by purchasing a shoe rack and a heavy towel or rug to keep from tracking water inside. Almost nothing in the world is worse than hitting a cold, wet spot in the carpet with bare feet. The only thing I can compare to it is stepping on a Lego.
Next, you need to check every door and window to make sure they are properly sealed. Try not to open them except when airing out oven smoke or a bad smell. If you need more airflow in your apartment, purchase a small space heater or use a fan at a low setting.
Change Your Cooking Habits
Winter and comfort foods go hand-in-hand. Heavy, meaty, starchy, and warm foods work well in a cold environment to keep you warm and provide more energy throughout the day. Some of you may be worried about putting on winter weight, but you can relax. Most of the time if you’re walking around in the cold snow, you’ll end up burning off the excess calories. Using the oven will heat up your apartment as well. For some great comfort foods, we recommend recipes for pot-pies, roasts, and soups.
Go Shopping
If you didn’t come prepared for cold weather you’ll have to make a trip to the store before October ends. Often you can find everything you need in Rexburg, but you might need to take a trip to Idaho Falls. Check DI for any winter coats or sweaters you might need, especially if you’re on a tight budget. I’d suggest getting at least one light and one heavy coat that you can layer and some waterproof boots or shoes for the snow. Once you have the basics, focus on comfort items such as wool socks and extra blankets. If you have a car, you’ll need a snow-scraper and an emergency blanket just in case. If you plan on making any trips or outings, look into buying gloves, snow pants and getting appropriate tires for your car.