As a college student, what can’t you live without?
The general answer from students is technology. First on the list is everything that depends on a working internet connection, preferably a fast one. Modes of communication top the list: email, Facebook, cell phones. Macs and iPods are considered essential for many.
Some require the basics, though. Everybody needs a planner. Sparknotes is also considered a highly valued ‘research’ tool for every college student.
Without hesitation, senior Nessa Summers responded, “Sleep.”
Junior Lizzie Thompson answered, “I just don’t function well without coffee.”
Let’s not forget the one thing every NW student needs—an ID card. You can’t go anywhere, you can’t eat anything; it’s essential. You do NOT want to be waiting outside for someone to open the door when it gets cold.
Speaking of getting cold… NW students have discovered that there are a few winterized items that they simply can’t live without in Iowa’s brutal winters.
The fact is, Iowa winters are horrific. It’s coming. We all know it. When asked how he feels about the onslaught of winter, freshman Morgan Ross from Texas replied, “It’s a little overwhelming. Forty degrees is cold to me. It snowed once on Christmas.”
So what do students need to survive the upcoming months?
Some choose to go the fashion-friendly route to get through the tundra. Junior Tara Woodward lists her necessaries for winter as “a coat, scarf and some cute boots.”
Sophomore Samantha Bender said a staple for her is “a good pair of wool tights, so you can wear dresses in the winter.”
On the other hand, there are some days when cuteness just won’t cut it. Junior Elizabeth Thompson said, “Don’t be afraid to look foolish when you bundle up.” When it comes to walking to class in winter, fashion often goes out the window.
Go out and get yourself a warm coat. Drop the black peacoat and the fitted Hollister jacket. Instead, get a poofy one that zips up to your nose. Although you may look like a marshmallow, you’ll be a whole lot drier and in a more pleasant mood when you reach your destination.
A hood is also essential. Nothing is worse than trekking to VPH for a morning class in a snowstorm with a biting wind blowing it all in your face. “Wrap your face against the nasty wind with a scarf,” advises sophomore Jasmine Smith.
Even though this is a small campus, the walk to VPH, the Caf or the RSC can feel like miles in December. Grab a fresh-from-the-oven cookie from the Hub and bundle up – it’s going to be a white winter.
