Students have already experienced their first snow of the season, and they brought out plenty of winter coats, hats and mittens. The snow has since melted, and the temperatures have remained moderate, giving us beautiful weather, but more cold weather and fiercer snow is inevitable as winter approaches. If it has not snowed again by the time this article is published, this article may seem dated, but when you are in northwest Iowa, you are aware of how sudden these winter winds can sneak up on unsuspecting students.
Because of the impending colder temperatures, there is a lack of students on the sand volleyball court and fewer people are playing gennis. It may seem hard to be creative when the sun sets before eating supper, but being creative in myriad ways can keep the seasonal depression at bay.
However, even though the cold weather may tempt some students to move south, fun is still available despite the colder temperatures. According to a blog called “Bucket List Journey,” there are a variety of ways to keep yourself occupied during the upcoming winter season.
Making nice, warm drinks is a wonderful way to cozy up. A cup of tea, a cup of coffee or a cup of hot chocolate can bring smiles to many faces. Warm drinks can be simple to make, such as with hot chocolate packets and warm water or milk. A variation of teas is out there for you to try. The internet is full of creative ideas for creating warm drinks.
Even if the weather app shows you freezing temperatures, you do not have to stay inside. If the snow can be compacted to create shapes, called packing snow, students should let their inner child free and go build snowmen or have a snowball fight. If the snow is still soft, you can create snow angels.
Some students like to have a game night with their friends. Classic games that nearly everyone knows how to play are readily available in many dorms’ lounges, such as Uno and varying card games. There are also some newer games that contain interesting quirks, such as Exploding Kittens, Anomia and Chameleon.
Northwestern student Ashley Montes is diverse in the ways she spends during cold winter days. “I mostly stay inside and sleep or I am at the gym,” Montes said. “Sometimes I like to read a good book.”
Other students enjoy outdoor activities. Ailee Moquist, a second-year NEXT student and theatre major, claims that she enjoys snowshoeing. “My family walks across the lake near our house,” Moquist said.
Hope Wallace, a sophomore public relations major, enjoys “anonymous snowman building and snowball fights. I also like to watch Hallmark movies with my roommate.”
Jack MacGregor, a junior theatre and public relations double major, also enjoys snowball fights and building snowmen. “I like to give the snowmen backstories,” MacGregor said. “When I can, I also enjoy inviting people over to watch movies and have snacks.”
Mackenna Thurman, a freshman theatre major from Montana, likes “driving to the mountains, looking for Christmas trees. I enjoy the adventure,” Thurman said. “I also enjoy reading in my bed by the window, watching the snow and being with my cat. I also enjoy gift giving.”
Lexi Squier, a freshman business admin and theatre double major, spends her cold days in a cozy way. “I snuggle up in a blanket, have a cup of hot chocolate, and watch a Christmas movie,” Squier said. “I do not care if it is November!”
Building a snowman is a classic form of snowy entertainment.
