The Do’s and Don’ts of Winter in Montreal

The weather in Montreal went from being 28 degrees to 10 degrees seemingly overnight. People come from all around the world to study at McGill University, which leads to most international students being exposed to super cold weather for the first time, often weather that they have never experienced before.  

1. Do invest in an expensive winter coat  

There are a bunch of coats out there such as Canada Goose and Mackage. I say investment because, with each piece costing up to $1000, one will be enough for the duration of your studies in Montreal. 

2. Don’t skip on layering accessories 

Scarves, mittens, gloves, beanies. Accessories not only make your outfit look 10x better than it would look sans beanie, but they also add layers of warmth to the areas that could potentially be exposed to the cold.  

3. Do wear appropriate shoes 

Wearing appropriate snow shoes are as important as wearing an appropriate coat. You can slip and slide on the snow if you are not equipped with the right footwear. Go for Ugg’s when it begins raining and snowing because they also keep your feet warm! 

4. Don’t skip layering clothes 

Even with the weather only 10 degrees during the day, all indoor areas are going to feel scorching if you wear a cute jumper (and only a cute jumper). Your coat will protect you when you are outside, and wearing loose, warm clothes will prevent you from sweating and feeling very uncomfortable indoors once you remove your jacket.  

5. Don’t sacrifice comfort over style 

Want to wear those high heels instead of those Ugg’s when you’re going out to dinner? Want to wear your cute Levis coat instead of your Canada Goose coat? Don’t even think about it. Wearing appropriate (and warm) clothes during the cold months of Montreal winter is ESSENTIAL. You will regret not wearing those hideous Ugg’s when you’re face first in a pile of snow due to the slip. 

6. Do watch your diet 

Cold weather requires more energy to keep us warm. However, this does not open doors to eating 5 packets of chips and 7 candy bars a day. You will be eating without noticing, so make sure you stock your cupboard/fridge with healthy snacking options!   

7. Don’t be afraid of the cold! 

Locking yourself in your room/Rez when it is raining or snowing or even just colder than you would like it to be will create an unhealthy environment around you. Don’t resent the winter, embrace it, and go for walks (if it is safe to do so) whenever you can.  

8. Don’t forget about girls night 

I already mentioned how you shouldn’t hibernate during the winter in your room. However, when class gets cancelled due to the snow, or when it is unsafe to be outside due to the weather, don’t be afraid to hit your friends up and have a Mean Girls/FRIENDS marathon! It’ll make you feel much better about the weather as well. 

9. Do learn how your health insurance plan works 

The health insurance plan is mandatory for all international students. Whether you have a private insurance or not, make sure you know what it entails, and take advantage of it (since you already are paying for it). The winter season can be full of sickness and discomfort!  

10. Don’t miss out on all the opportunities to drink hot chocolate 

I wanted to end this list on a good note, and what better note than hot chocolate can an article about winter end on? Winter is the perfect excuse to drink a daily hot chocolate. 

Images obtained from: 

https://oneclass.com/blog/mcgill-university/1057-10-of-the-best-rated-co…

https://www.ferratum.ca/sites/ferratum.ca/files/5-tips-to-prepare-for-wi…

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8a/8e/33/8a8e33602c2ba37c08301cc47c23c2b4…

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