The Ottawa University Winter Survival Guide

Photo by Sylvana Kelley

Snow hit the ground of Ottawa University last week. Many students going to OU come from places like Kansas and Colorado, and know how to survive the bitter cold.

Yet, the other students come from places like Texas or California are left shivering their way to class.

So, how does one survive the freezing temperatures of Ottawa, Kansas? I offer you six steps that will help you with it.

1.Pick your footwear wisely.

Cold temperatures mean wet grounds. Either from snow, ice or even water from rain, the trails around campus will be wet.

Pick footwear that will protect your feet from getting soaked. Do not wear athletic shoes because they are made with a mesh material so feet can breathe during exercise. This mesh material will allow water to pass through shoes up to your feet much easier.

2.Move quickly

Do not take any extra time between buildings. The longer someone is in the cold, the colder they will get. Move fast to keep the body active and in turn, keep it warmer.

3.Fans

When it gets cold, the temperatures go up in the dorm rooms. This will have students struggling to sleep when they are sweating the night away.

Purchase a fan for the dorm room because, even though it might sound crazy, the room will get hot when it is cold out.

4.Warm drinks

Stay warm by keeping the insides warm. Ottawa University has recently added Starbucks, which is perfect for cold days. Hot beverages will help you keep the insides and your hands warm. The warm cup will sooth those cold pink figures on the coldest of days.

5.Hats

Wear hats to keep your ears and head warm. Stocking caps can be purchased at the bookstore and need to be worn for ears. Ears are always difficult to keep warm.

6.Prepare for your cold

Buy tissues, cold medicine, chicken noodle soup and a subscription to Netflix because the cold is coming. Especially if someone is not used to the cold, the cold is coming. Be prepared.

Though it may be warm now, in Kansas it could be freezing again at any moment. Be prepared and do not freeze.