Unfortunately, winter is here, and even more unfortunately, we still have to keep going to class while there’s snow and ice on the ground. Especially during this last push towards finals, it’s important to be able to navigate campus safely, keeping falls in the snow to a minimum. Here are 11 tips to help you get to class, the dining hall, and the library without letting winter get the best of you.
1. Wear sturdy shoes
This one’s crucial. No matter where you’re going, make sure you’ve got on shoes with traction. This way, when you walk over ice, you’ll be less likely to slip and embarrass yourself. Moccasins are cute, but they’re not going to help you when you hit a patch of black ice. Speaking of which…
2. Watch out for ice
A shark can’t bite you if you’re not in the ocean. The same principle applies to ice: the best way to not slip on the ice is to not walk on the ice. Be alert, and if there’s a path that contains no ice, take it.
3. Use handrails
Ice has a bad habit of forming in the most inconvenient of places, like on stairs. Always use handrails when going up and down outdoor stairs in the winter, so that if you do slip, you can catch yourself and avoid a nasty spill.
4. Give yourself extra time
You’ll probably (hopefully) be walking slower in the winter in deference to the ice. Therefore, give yourself extra time when going to class so you don’t have to run and put yourself in unnecessary danger.
5. Take shortcuts through buildings
If it’s possible to walk through another building on your way to class, do it. Not only will you avoid slipping on ice, but you’ll also have a quick chance to warm up halfway through your trek.
6. Wear a winter coat
Just because you’re from Minnesota and you’ve experienced 4 feet of snow and Antarctic temperatures doesn’t make you immune to the cold. Wear an actual winter coat when going outside, not just a sweatshirt or a North Face.
7. Don’t put your hands in your pockets
If you are unfortunate to slip on the ice, you’ll want your hands free to break your fall. If your hands are in your pockets, you’re going down with no opportunity to save yourself from the unforgiving ice.
8. Wear gloves (or mittens!)
This goes hand in hand with number 7. Rather than sticking your hands in your pockets to keep them warm, wear mittens or gloves to both stay warm and be ready to catch yourself.
9. Be extra careful at night
Ice spotting can be difficult during the day, but it’s even harder at night. Try to minimize excursions at night, and when it’s unavoidable, be on high alert.
10. At Drake, stay off Painted Street
This one’s just common sense. Painted Street gets slippery when it rains—when it ices, it’s a death trap. Avoid walking on it at all costs. Besides, the people in Jewett keep track of how many people per day they see fall on Painted Street during the winter, so avoid becoming a statistic and steer clear of Painted Street.
11. Don’t panic
This one’s probably the most important. If you think you’re going to fall on the ice, you will. Be careful, but confident in yourself. And if you do slip and fall, just remember that you’re not only person in the world to ever slip on ice.
