I realize that many students here at Northeastern are not from the New England area. Some may have never even seen snow until they came to Boston. So, please, go ahead and have fun, throw snowballs, build snowmen, live it up.
It is understandable that people may not have known what to expect out of a winter in Boston initially, but what seems difficult to understand is why some people have yet to catch on to what the appropriate apparel is for January in New England.
Even if you are from Florida, you must have realized by now that wearing shorts when the temperature outside reaches below freezing is not normal. When the hairs on your legs stand up, it usually means something.
When temperatures reach 60 degrees in January, have fun not having to wear a big, bulky winter coat. Enjoy it while it lasts but remember that it is still winter and by now the flip flops and skirts should be safely put away toward the back of the closet.
For those who have grown up and lived in New England their entire lives, a winter as mild as this one is a scarcity, and they know to leave their rooms prepared. Just because you leave the house at noon and it is 59 degrees outside does not mean that when you return past midnight it will still be as warm. In winter, never go outside without recognition of what the temperature will be as it gets dark out and understand that it will get drastically colder.
If, for some reason, you get the urge to walk outside in the snow in sandals, step in puddles of freezing cold water, and numb your toes, then go right ahead, but know that someone is looking at you like you are crazy and laughing as you walk by.
If you are from a much warmer climate, please learn to adapt to the weather conditions in New England, because like it or not this is where you will be residing for the majority of the year. So invest in a winter jacket, a few extra pairs of pants, and possibly even splurge and buy that cute hat, scarf and mittens set you rolled your eyes at last week.
– Ashley Traupman is a freshman journalism major and a member of The News staff.
