I haven’t always hated winter.

In fact, I used to be one of the rare Wisconsinites who was actually extremely tolerant of winter.

I didn’t really mind the snow (probably because I didn’t have to drive much in it), the cold was mostly bearable (probably because I didn’t have to walk extensive distances in it), and the ice didn’t really trip me up any more than the dry ground did (probably because I’m just not very nimble, I guess).

Then I got accepted to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Whole different ball game.

Or so I was told.

There was something about sitting on my couch during a “cold day” as a senior in high school, anticipatorily Blugold-bound, and seeing on TV that the windchill was -75 degrees Fahrenheit in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

So I was about to go to school in the tundra, then. Can’t wait.

To be fair, that was during the heart of the polar vortex back in late 2013. But that still didn’t negate the fact that the 5th coldest place in the entire nation was about to be my future home.

Yikes.

I think One Direction is relatable on a lot more levels than they get credit for. From pre-teen heartbreak to young adult love crises, One Direction just might understand the need for a heated pathway up the UWEC hill better than you might think.

1. “Ready To Run”

From my dorm to class. I mean yeah that probably makes the experience worse, but at least I’ll minimize the amount of time I spend outside.

2. “Change Your Ticket”

As in, if you’re planning to come visit any time between October and May, don’t. You won’t want to until at least June (AKA: When the temperature finally breaks 40 degrees Fahrenheit).

3. “Walking In The Wind”

Even when the wind itself isn’t excruciating, the windchill sure will be (and it will make sure to give you a severe case of bridge-face, too).

4. “Why Don’t We Go There”

Like, anywhere that’s not here. Hello spring break 2keveryyearuntilgraduation.

5. “Change My Mind”

Why do I go here again?

6. “Another World”

Translation: The tundra. Or Neptune. Whichever is colder.

7. “I Want”

Nick Grunseth to lie to me about the temperature for the next 7 days.

8. “No Control”

Of the tears and snot running down my face every time I cross the bridge.

9. “Story Of My Life”

Said every UW-Eau Claire student ever, when their friends from other schools tell them “it’s cold outside”.

10. “Alive”

Miraculously.

If you’re a future Blugold and are trying to conceal how worried you are about the excruciating Eau Claire winters, don’t worry, I get you. Harry Styles & Co. does too.

If it makes you feel better, you can safely dismiss anyone who tells you, “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.”

You won’t.

You’ll just learn how to get really good at layering. And then you can add that to your resume when you graduate.