Hey Hawks! We’re officially in the middle of winter, so I figured I’d share everything I’ve learned about surviving the freezing cold here in Iowa. Back home, I don’t remember it ever being this cold, so moving here was definitely a shock (like, why does the air hurt? lol).

The first thing I would recommend before anything else is a warm coat. This is a must, especially since you’ll be walking around campus and waiting for the bus a lot. It doesn’t really matter what style you choose, but warmth is key. I’ve noticed a lot of people on campus wear long coats, and honestly, they look super warm. My advice: pick whatever will keep you the warmest, not just what looks cute.

Next up: a hat or earmuffs and a good pair of gloves. Waiting for the bus can take a while, and your hands will freeze fast, especially if you’re on your phone. I’d definitely suggest gloves that let you use your phone without taking them off. One of my biggest tips: don’t be afraid to dress warm. You might see people walking around without hats, but trust me, being warm is way better than trying to look tough and being miserable.

Another thing I highly recommend is a scarf. This is one of my favorite winter items, especially on really cold days. Being able to cover your nose makes a huge difference, especially if you walk a lot. After a while, the cold air honestly makes it harder to breathe, so a scarf helps more than you’d expect.

Lastly, let’s talk shoes. This one really depends on the person. If you walk a lot in the cold or snow, boots might be a good investment. If you mostly take the bus, tennis shoes or Uggs are usually fine. Boots aren’t required, but they can definitely help on icy or snowy days, so it’s totally a personal choice.

Overall, Iowa winters are cold, and these are a few things I’ve learned since being here. Things I honestly wish I knew sooner. At the end of the day, wear what you want, but my biggest advice is to dress warm and don’t be afraid to bundle up. Your future, not your frozen self, will thank you.