I still remember my first walk across campus after the first snow of the year. My jacket felt useless, sneakers were soaked, and the wind was slicing through my shirt. As a California native, I thought snowboarding had prepared me. It hadn’t. But here’s the good news: With the right mindset and gear, Midwest winters are survivable and enjoyable. This guide is for anyone trading the Sun Belt for South Bend, and it’ll demonstrate how to layer like a local, beat the winter blues, and stay active when the temperature drops below freezing.
Layer like a local
Being properly clothed is arguably the most important aspect of winter preparation. You must learn how to layer properly to give yourself the most comfort both in class and in transit throughout the day. Start with a base layer that’s comfortable. It doesn’t have to be different from anything you would wear alone during the warmer seasons. Then, add a middle layer for insulation – hoodies, crewnecks, and long-sleeves work perfectly well. They are able to trap heat without making you feel too bulky, and they’re easy to shed once you’re inside the heated buildings on campus. Finally, on the outermost layer is your shield. Your windbreaker coat will become your best friend as it insulates your body while cutting through the chilling winds that sweep through campus. This simple combination will do wonders for you. It provides perfect protection from the cold while also allowing you to dress up comfortably (or fashionably) in class.
Unfortunately, layers alone won’t protect you from everything. Accessories are arguably just as important. You must invest in a proper pair of waterproof shoes that have an appropriate sense of grip on the soles. Our university makes sure to constantly clear out the sidewalks and pavements for safer walking habits during the winter but there is no telling when a small patch of ice can send you flying in a cartoon-like scramble. Additionally, insulated and waterproof winter gloves will prevent you from having to snuggle your hands deep in your pockets and will become your MVP when snowball fights roll around. You may also want a warm hat that covers your ears along with a scarf that will help seal off any gaps where wind can sneak in and cause trouble. Trust me, once you’ve got your winter wardrobe dialed in, you’ll start to not even notice the shocking temperatures that you once feared.
Battling Cabin Fever
One of the most unexpected challenges of Midwest winters might not even be the snow or the cold – it’s the stillness. When the sun sets before dinnertime and the days seem shorter, it tends to become easier to fall into a routine of staying in, skipping social plans, and slowly losing motivation. Cabin fever is real, and it can sneak up on you if you’re not intentional about staying mentally and socially active.
The first step to tackling this hurdle is to create structure in your day and set clear goals for you to achieve. Having a consistent schedule, even if it includes simple tasks such as going on a small walk or talking to a friend, can help anchor your energy and your mood for the rest of the day. Block out time in your daily schedule to plan small outings, like grabbing meals with friends from your dorm or finding new study spots on campus. Things like this give you something to look forward to rather than keeping your mind stuck on the gloomy weather.
Also, invest yourself in your dorm! You live with hundreds of other Notre Dame students who are living through the same winter as you. Some things my dorm consistently holds for residents include Bible studies, section and post-mass snacks, ping-pong and pool tournaments, study sessions, and movie nights. Get your friends to decorate your dorm for the holiday season and adopt a festive mindset.
Cabin fever doesn’t have to define your winter. With consistency and commitment, you can turn it into your favorite season of the year.
Stay Active
Even though it may seem that staying active could be difficult on campus, the reality holds the very opposite. All residence halls have their own in-dorm gyms, which are equipped with treadmills, Stairmasters, weight machines, and free weights. These are perfect as they prevent you from having to trek outside and have everything you need to complete your workouts.
For an even better workout experience, you can also head to the Smith Center at the Duncan Student Center. With an indoor track, every machine you can think of, and even a climbing wall, the Smith Center can accommodate any type of workout you can think of. They also hold group fitness classes with personal student trainers and have classrooms where you can take spin cycle, yoga, and pilates classes.
If you’re craving something more social or competitive, the North Dome is your go-to spot. It offers indoor courts for pickleball, badminton, volleyball, and basketball, making it easy to stay active while having fun with friends.
And finally, the Rockne Memorial Sports Center adds even more variety. It features an indoor pool, a full gym (more geared towards powerlifting), basketball courts, martial arts spaces, and even squash courts.
Winter might limit your outdoor options, but it doesn’t have to limit your movement.
Adjusting to South Bend winters teaches you to embrace a new rhythm of life. You don’t try to survive the cold; you learn to thrive in it. With the support of the dorm community and the incredible facilities on campus, you’ll quickly find your people and your place. So, if you’re coming from a warmer climate, don’t worry, you will adapt much quicker than you think. And somewhere between the snowfall, quiet walks, and the cozy nights spent in the dorm, you might just find that winter is your favorite season after all.