Top 10 Ways to Enjoy the Cold Weather

 

Whether you grew up with the snow and have gotten sick of it, or you’re from an area without snow but going to college in an area that gets pretty white in the winter, there are so many fun ways to enjoy the winter weather in college! Here are our top 10 ways to enjoy the cold weather, with five outdoor, and five indoor activities, in no particular order:

Outdoor Activities:

Want to get active and take advantage of the chilly weather outdoors? Grab your snow gear and try out one of these fun ways to spend the day.

Tobogganing

Dig out some snow pants, and your old crazy carpet and hit the hills with your friends! Don’t have any sleds? Make do with creative finds around your house, like laundry baskets or cookie sheets. You can keep it PG, or mix it up with a thermos full of some spiked eggnog to get you in a festive spirit.

Snowball Fight

You’re never too old for a good old-fashioned snowball fight. Plan ahead and enlist some teams – maybe get your girls together to attack those cute boys in the house down the street? Make sure to bundle up with boots and mittens for maximum snowball fighting power, and afterward, head inside for a warm-up with some cocoa and conversation with the opposing team.

Ice Skating

Check online to find out where the skating rinks are in your area. Most places have a “free skate” time scheduled, where anyone can come skate. Get your friends together and head down, rent some skates, and have fun seeing who can do the best figure eight. Before you go, note whether the rink is indoor or outdoor. Outdoor rinks will be chilly, so bundle up, while indoor rinks are usually heated, so you can get away with a lighter ensemble.

Hockey

Along those same lines, while you’ve got your skates on, why not start a game of pick-up hockey? Maybe I’m a little biased, being Canadian and all, but I think hockey is a lot of fun, and it’s really easy for beginners to pick up. Plus, it can be a fun way to meet guys.

Nighttime Stroll

As people start putting up their decorations and the night starts to twinkle with holiday lights and displays, why not take advantage and hit the streets for an evening stroll? Some areas even have nighttime parades or events, so go online or ask your friends to see what’s going on in your area. Grab a coffee at a little downtown shop before you head out, to keep your hands warm as you go.

Indoor Activities:

Not too keen on getting cold and wet outside? Don’t worry, here are five fun things to do this winter from the cozy comfort of your home.

Movie/TV Marathon

Chick flicks, ’90s TV shows, holiday movies, whatever, just pick a theme, rent some DVDs and cuddle up with your girls or a special someone for a cozy night on the couch. This is a great way to unwind after a particularly painful exam, or to bond with your roomies before heading home for break.

Sweet Treats

Test out your newly discovered cooking skills by mixing up a few sweet treats with your friends. Make holiday cookies, brownies, cakes, have someone try something new, or whip up something from their childhood. You’ll make a mess, you’ll eat a ton, and you’ll have a blast the whole time.

Host a Farewell Party

Once everyone is over the hurdle of exams, host a final holiday get together before everyone takes off. You can do an ugly-sweater theme, use one of our other favorite party themes, or just request classy holiday attire, to give you an excuse to rock that festive dress you’ve got stashed in your closet. This is a great way to unwind and get together with people you haven’t had time to see since Halloween!

Get Your Shopping Done

If you’ve got a long list of holiday shopping to do, why not start now? You can either buy online, or at least look online for ideas and make a list. Write down everybody’s name, and an idea or two for what you can get them, and where. Don’t forget to look at prices so you don’t overspend. Grab a hot chocolate and curl up with your laptop for some pre-shopping prep.

Decorate Your Place

Even if you’re stuck inside studying or finishing up assignments, taking some time with your roommates to string up some lights or even trim a miniature tree will help you get in the holiday spirit and look forward to the break, instead of stressing about all you have to finish before the semester is over. Don’t worry about going over-the-top – some dollar store or thrift shop decorations will do. The important part is having fun with your friends, making your place look college-chic for the holidays, and getting in a festive spirit.

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