Every time I tell people I am from Southern California, the next question is always: “So are you ready to experience a New York winter?” Which is where I chuckle and reply, “Nope, and I’m in denial that it’s going to happen.” But, oh how my denial got the best of me as I write this article while wrapped up in a blanket, with the heater blasting in my dorm room. So, here are my top 10 reactions to experiencing a Northeast winter for the first time.
Leading up to December
I knew that it was coming. I knew it. But, I just didn’t expect it to be THIS cold! As everyone told me how winters here are different from the ones in California, I thought that the 20 degree difference wouldn’t be that big of a deal, but once again, I was wrong.
Buying Winter Gear
Rain coat, rain boots, snow jacket, snow boots, gloves, ear warmers, scarves….I could go on and on! Living on the east coast means that you need a separate wardrobe just for the winter season. But, that gave me a good excuse to go shopping, so it was a win-win situation.
Leaves Falling Off Trees
Since Hofstra’s campus is filled with trees, I couldn’t wait to see what the campus would look like in the winter. Autumn was beautiful and I knew that winter would be just as nice. Seeing the leaves everywhere on the ground and the trees barren made walks to class so enjoyable.
Wind. Everywhere.
Dealing with cold temperatures is fine and all, until the wind gets involved. It makes walking to class a little more difficult and nothing is worse than walking with a mouth full of hair covering your face. Plus, wind dries EVERYTHING out. From lips to cuticles to hair, I’ve had to learn that moisturizing is key in all of this.
Weather Dipping to 30 Degrees
In California, the lowest it typically gets is 50 degrees during the day and 30 degrees at night. However, here it is 30 degrees during the day, which means one word: layers. From wearing two pairs of socks to two jackets, layers have definitely helped when being outside.
First Snow Flurries
At first, I was confused because I didn’t know why things kept getting caught in my eye. Then I realized that there were snow flurries falling down and I squealed of excitement. Having the snow fall and it landing in your hair was so fun. I couldn’t stop taking videos of what was going on and sending them to my family back home.
Waking Up to a Winter Wonderland
I remember waking up and seeing the sidewalks and grass covered in a fresh layer of snow as a girl was already beginning to build a snowman. It felt like a dream! Although I’ve been to the mountains before during the winter time, it was certainly not like waking up in your own room and seeing snow everywhere.
Getting Pummeled With Snowballs By Friends
As soon as I went outside and started running around in the snow, my friends thought it would be fun to introduce me to my first snow fight. It was a lot of fun so now I need to learn how to make the proper snowball so I’m ready for the next big snowfall (if you have any tips, please let me know!)
Realizing I Go Home for Winter Session
These past couple of weeks have been fun and all, but I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t excited to go back to California for the month of January. 60 degrees sounds a lot nicer than 30 degrees (sorry New York) However, I will miss playing around in the snow.
Coming Back in January
When the time comes and I have to come back to New York, I will be more than ready to embrace the cold. I will try as hard as I can to be like Beyonce when I get off the plane in January. But, I have already warned my friends of the probability of me complaining about the cold or having to walk in the snow to get to my classes next semester. Only time will tell if this California girl will be able to make it through her first New York winter!