Seasonal depression disorder. This is not a myth. I have seen the most uplifted of spirits come tumbling down once the winds become harsher, the nights become longer, and the walks to off-campus parties become treacherous. It's easy to go into a winter slump once the workload piles on and it becomes more and more difficult to see the dazzling light at the end of the tunnel that is spring term.

Here's how you can battle this year's winter

Go for a hike

Grab your friends and a thermos of hot chocolate and have a day at one of the many nature reserves nearby.

Hit the slopes

You don't happen to have a ski house? Same. Our school has weekly trips to mountains, take advantage of the cheap prices while you can.

Go to a warm cafe

The Happy Cap is the perfect place to warm up and indulge yourself in a latte better than any Starbucks original.

Check out the Stockade district

Half of our school knows this area exists. It has some beautiful, old town houses and a really cute cafe called Arthur's.

Go home

Sometimes you just need to go home or to a friend's to take a break from the crazy weekends on campus. Snuggling with your dog and eating some yummy home cooked meals is the ultimate cure.