It’s only November and, of course, we have already been graced with our first real snowfall ass of the morning of Sunday the 16th. For many students this may your first snowfall ever or just your first exposure to a real Montreal winter, and even if its not your first you know what’s to come. To help you survive this seasons frigid weather, below is a compilation of the top 10 things you will need to combat this winter.
1) A good scarf, hat and mitts
Growing up, we all had our moms and grandparents there to remind us never to even think of leaving the house without bundling up so much that only our eyes were visible… But now that you’re on your own at university, it’s up to you to remember to cover every inch of your skin with a protective layer. There are tons of stores in Montreal where you can go grab some cute winter accessories for an affordable price.
2) A good face moisturizer
The whipping winds of montreal are something so uniquely painful that anyone can agree you have to layer on the moisturizer in order to keep your skin from chapping on the regular. This stuff doesn’t have to be super pricey, but the “milkier” or thicker your moisturizer the stronger barrier it will provide your skin against the cold.
Okay… maybe not that creamy…
3) Kleenex to go
There is nothing worse than standing on bus next to someone who keeps sniffling or wipes their runny nose with their sleeve. Do yourself, and everyone around you, a favor and buy small prepackaged Kleenex that can be stored in even the smallest pockets for when you really need it. Some even come with lotion already in them, preventing you from sporting Rudolph’s red nose this winter.
4) Vitamin C
Cold means flu seasons, and flu season means coughing and sneezing in nearly all of your classes. Remember to stock up on some delicious fruits and veggies to get your immune system high, especially oranges, blueberries, red peppers, parsley—they are all proven to help you fight off colds better and are filled with vitamin C.
5) Wool Socks
Research shows that girls have especially bad circulation to their feet, making them cold even when the weather is not unbearable. But when the colder temperatures come rolling in, these socks will be your savoir. They keep your feet insulated and warm and if they get wet they take ½ the time to dry when compared to cotton.
6) Lip Balm
Chapped lips are not pretty and oh-so- not kissable. Be sure to grab a good lip moisturizer to keep your lips soft and healthy all winter long. A small tip: use a sugar scrub on your lips before applying lip balm- it gets rid of dead skin cells and helps the moisturizer work on the deeper skin layers.
7) Good Winter Boots
Montreal has seen snowfalls over over 20cm in one day and a good sturdy boot is vital when trudging to the library during exam season. Your feet and hands being cold and wet are the easiest way to get sick—so be sure to keep your feet warm and check out our guide to the best winter boots:
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8) A Snuggie
If you ask me, this is the world best invention. The snuggie is a big, thick, fleece blanket that has armholes so you can wear it, as a sweater while it is big enough to double as a blanket. You can buy them online or at Wal-Mart and they are probably the best purchase you will ever make.
See! look how happy they are.
9) Warm tights & thigh highs
The hardest part about Montreal winters is staying motivated to keep your outfits looking chic and fashionable. But have no fear, as long as you have a good pair of warm tights and wool thigh high socks, you can keep wearing your favorite dresses and skirts all season long.
10) A good travel mug
Travel mugs are good for the environment, reasonably priced, and double as a hand heater when they’re filled with your favorite tea or cup of coffee. Sipping on warm liquid is also a good way to keep yourself warm from the inside and herbal tea with honey is a great way to fight off a bad cold.
So now that you’re prepared for what winter has in store, do your best to keep these few tips in mind in the months to come. And get ready for a true winter wonderland in Montreal. Happy Winter Collegiates!
Images and GIFS obtained from:
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