With the rapid drop in temperatures over the last two days giving the student population a glimpse of how the winter will look like this year, first-year international students might get concerned about how the weather will be like during the cold months.
This is why the Office of International Students and Scholars, or OISS, held a workshop for international students Wednesday night to give them some tips about surviving and enjoying the winter in Michigan.
OISS Educational Programs Manager Amber Cordell, who lead the workshop, said it's important for students to not isolate themselves during the winter to try and avoid feeling depressed.They should make sure they interact with their friends and remain active.
Cordell recommended doing outside activities, like building a snowman, making snow angels or having a snowball fight, in addition to indoor activities like playing boardgames or bowling.
She also recommended getting a sun lamp for those who tend to feel down when they're not exposed to sun light for an extensive period of time, which is prone to happen during Michigan winters.
"If you're feeling depressed, go to the Counseling Center," she said. "Reach out to people; it's very normal to feel homesick or lonely."
The workshop also included tips about how to stay healthy and safe and how dress well for the winter.
"It's very much about wearing layers, which is the key," Cordell said, adding that usually temperatures are very warm inside the buildings, when it would be very cold outside. Having lighter clothes underneath sweaters would help keep from overheating.
She suggested getting a down jacket or coat with a hood and wearing two gloves if the weather requires that. Students have to keep in mind that whereas down would keep them very warm, it loses its effect if it gets wet.
"It's very important to get your head, neck, ears, hands and feet covered," she said, adding that having boots with good traction is one of the important factors when it comes to walking in snow to avoid slipping.
She also warned students from getting a frost bite. This usually starts when the skin gets very red and then numb.
Students are advised to go indoors as quickly as possible to warm up in such a case. Students should also avoid putting the affected area immediately in hot water because this could lead to more complications.
Students should also try as much as they can not to drive in bad weather. When crossing a street while it's snowing they should also be aware that the driver might not be able to see them or hit the breaks soon enough, so they need to take caution to avoid getting hurt.
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