Maybe you’re from New England, maybe you’re not. Either way, Amherst winters are no joke! Here is my best advice to navigate the snowy weather at Amherst College.
Wear Your Coat Everywhere!
Yes, yes, this might sound repetitive, but it’s true. Some days you might think it’s hot enough to not wear a jacket, but then it ends up being cold and you regret it. You’ll then have to go back to your dorm, which is an inconvenience for you. Invest in a good quality coat and wear it!
Have a Good Pair of Snow Boots!
Coming from someone who accidentally forgot her snow boots at home this year when it snowed multiple weeks in a row, please listen to this advice! It gets really hard to walk around the hilly campus in shoes that aren’t built for the snow, so it is a good investment to get boots. If you don’t want to get boots, wear an old pair of sneakers in the snow. You definitely do not want a nice pair of shoes getting wrecked in these conditions. If you have to dedicate a pair of sneakers or shoes for snow days, then do that.
Camp Out for as Long as You Can Inside!
While myself and other students love bouncing back and forth to different study spots, it is best to try and stay in one place on snowy days. You’re usually freezing, the snow on your clothes is melting, etc., so it is best to study in one place as long as possible to just dry off, avoid the conditions on campus, and stay productive.
Grab a Nice Beverage or Snack!
On snowy days, I am reminded of how much I love hot chocolate. I will always make a hot chocolate from Val or purchase one at either the Frost or Science Center cafe depending on where I am. I think it is so fun to get a drink or snack that I usually wouldn’t usually on a snowy day. I love getting a nice hot drink and being able to sip it while I do my work.
Study with Friends!
On a snowy day, I always find it sooo fun to study with friends. Something about studying with your friends inside one of the academic buildings while it’s snowing is so cozy. Highly recommended on campus!
In snowy conditions, there are so many different options of what to do on campus. If you do not want to be super productive, that is okay! Take the snowy day as a sign to take a little relaxation. If you are looking to be a bit more productive and how to navigate the snowy campus, definitely keep in mind my advice and tips above. Coming from a fellow New Englander, Amherst winters are so beautiful! Something about seeing the already gorgeous campus covered in snow makes the college experience so fun. Please reach out with any questions!
-Braelyn