11 Tips For Surviving The Iowa Winter | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

11 Tips For Surviving The Iowa Winter

A guide to not dying in the snow on the way to class

304
11 Tips For Surviving The Iowa Winter
Storify

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

21287
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8989
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6512
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5619
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments