Advice from an international student
Growing up in the Caribbean put me at a severe disadvantage when it came to surviving Canadian winters. Cold weather in the Caribbean means anything below 24 degrees Celsius. And no, I’m not joking. Transitioning from the warm weather of the tropics to the frozen empire of Queen Elsa that is Canada can be challenging, to say the least.
This is my third winter in Canada and although I still haven’t mastered it (or learned to enjoy it), each year I struggle a bit less. Here is my survival guide to a Canadian winter for exchange and international students from warmer climes who may be asking themselves why they decided to come to this cold land.
1. Invest in a good winter coat
There are countless winter wear options to choose from and it can be intimidating trying to differentiate between the best option and the best price, but this is an essential purchase. Ensure that your winter jacket is well insulated with a waterproof outer shell, and most importantly don’t sacrifice quality for price. When it comes to keeping yourself warm for the winter, a high-quality, warm coat is a worthwhile investment.
2. Bundle up
Trust me, your parents are not being paranoid. Listen when they tell you to layer up. It’s legitimately sound advice. Thermals plus a jumper plus a hoodie plus a winter coat make for a happy camper. (Not an actual camper. Please don’t attempt to go camping in the winter. Remember, we’re not Canadian. We don’t have that superpower.)
3. Build a snowman or have a snowball fight
I’ve heard people say the best way to survive the winter blues is to submerge yourself in fun winter activities that we wouldn’t otherwise get to enjoy. For example, there are lots of little hills around campus to go tobogganing, or you could even take a walk through our very own winter wonderland in the Arboretum. If you feel like sticking to the basics, you can always build a snowman or have a snowball fight with your friends.
4. Netflix and read
While playing outside is a great way to enjoy the winter, let’s be honest: sometimes it’s just way too cold to step outside and leave the warmth of the indoors. In that case, there’s nothing wrong with cuddling up with a good book or movie. In my first year I started re-watching all the Harry Potter movies with friends in south residence. Now, it’s become sort of a tradition that we look forward to each winter — I’ve even managed to rope my housemates into it!
5. Winter foodie fun
I personally never liked warm beverages or soups when I was growing up because it was always so hot at home. Since I’ve been in Canada, I’ve grown to love them and have actually found some really delicious recipes to try. If you’re going to stay indoors, why not experiment with some fun winter recipe ideas? One of my personal favourites is Red Wine Hot Chocolate. Hot chocolate on its own is already a delicious way to warm up but the addition of red wine gives it a distinctively delightful flavour. It’s heavenly and will make your taste buds very happy. Just remember to drink responsibly!
Photos by Alora Griffiths/The Ontarion