Welcome back to Utica College! I hope everyone had enjoyable and relaxing  breaks. By now most people are almost fully back into the swing of things, and ready to take on the spring semester, myself included! This semester is by far my favorite, more than fall, because by the time finals roll around the warm and sunny weather feels like such a reward for making it through.

However, the spring semester is also notorious for dragging on. The winter weather sometimes has too firm a hold on the Central New York Region. While I enjoy snow during the holiday season, two months later it begins to feel like some sort of punishment. So, don’t dread a single moment of it. I’m planning on trying to enjoy the snow, and the cold while it’s here. You know, not everyone is fortunate enough to live in a region where we get to experience four very distinct seasons…or just keep telling yourself that!

Anyway, here’s some tips to help you not only push through the winter in Utica, New York, but also enjoy it too!

Do Typical Winter Activities! Go outside on campus and build a snowman! Take advantage of the close proximity Utica College has to numerous skiiing/snowboarding/sledding locations. Actually, there is a great sledding hill at the Recreation Center on the Parkway which is literally down the road from the campus.  If you don’t want to leave campus, grab a few friends and start a snowball war! Just grab some boots, and a hat and get out there!

Take A Brisk Walk. I find the crisp winter air to be refreshing…to a certain extent. I like going for a walk if I am completely bundled up, and fully prepared. It can be as small as the walk from your residence hall to your class. Instead of rolling out of bed reluctant to go outside, try to look at it as an opportunity to breathe in the fresh winter air. Trust me, it just smells different than the other seasons.

Bundle Up. Winter is great because the cold gives a great excuse to wear your coziest and warmest clothes. I love wearing oversized sweaters during the Winter. I also love beanies and hats, which I can’t really get away with in the Summer. So wear the fashions of Winter while you can! Even if fashion isn’t your thing, cherish the ability to wear your sweatshirt. (It’s the small things that can make the season better.)

 Indulge in Your Favorite Winter Foods. One of my favorite winter foods to eat is soup, I don’t eat it any other time! It magically seems to warm you up from the inside out. So, after a long day of studying (or sledding!) have a warm bowl of soup. Also, I don’t think there is anything as cozy as curling up with a mug of coffee/tea/hot chocolate during the frigid winter months. One of my favorite ways to de-stress is with a warm blanket, a good book, and a mug of tea.

Anticipate! The Winter season has so many things that people look forward to. I, personally, am counting down the days until the Academy Awards (Oscars) in February. But, others may be anticipating the Super Bowl which is also coming up! And don’t forget about Spring Break in March! There are plenty of things to look forward to.

Marvel in How Pretty Winter Can Be. The snow can make everything look so pure, and clean which can be beautiful to look at. So, take advantage. Instagram that fresh snowfall, and find the perfect filter for that snowflake close up…maybe you’ll spread your new found appreciation of Winter to some new people too!