As the temperature starts going lower and the snow piles start growing outside Corey Union, many SUNY Cortland students may feel the need to hibernate. Despite the cold weather, winter at SUNY Cortland cannot be gloomy and isolating. For many students, this is the time to slow down, bundle up, and find ways to stay social until the warmer weather hits Cortland again.
As November rolls in, it is common to see students running across campus in big puffer jackets, scarves wrapped around their noses, with a coffee in hand. Many students find it difficult to stay motivated since the sky has started to get dark at 4:30 pm. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as the “winter blues”, affects many college students. With shorter days, a smaller amount of outdoor activities, and academic stress, it can become overwhelming to stay in for the semester. SUNY Cortland’s Counseling Center offers workshops and resources to help students manage academic and seasonal stress.
When the outdoors gets too harsh, Cortland students may find a warm spot on campus or downtown. Coffee shops like Coffee Mania, Bru 64, and Bookmark Cafe in the Memorial Library become good social gathering spots for students to hang out, study, or relax. The Student Life Center (SLC) is also a popular place to go for Cortland students during the winter season. With its gym, indoor track, rock climbing wall, fitness classes, and smoothie joint. This provides recreation and social connection on campus. A lot of students will take advantage of the track or fitness classes as a way to stay active and relieve some stress during this long winter. For students who may enjoy the snow, Cortland’s location offers some fun winter opportunities. Greek Peak Mountain Resort is only a 15-minute drive and gives students access to skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. It’s perfect for a weekend trip or a spontaneous outing with some friends during the winter season, rather than avoiding it.
Winter in Cortland can also inspire some creativity among students and how they spend time together. Whether it is a fun holiday baking session, movie nights, or a group game night. These moments can bring a warm and funny vibe inside when it is too cold to go outside. Small moments like a late-night talk with roommates or an evening with hot chocolate, there are multiple ways to stay positive and connected with your friends. Campus organizations can play a big part in helping students feel engaged with their school. The Campus Event Management here at SUNY Cortland holds different kinds of activities to encourage students of all ages to meet new people and have fun. These events are usually free supplies, snacks, and entertainment.
Self-care is also an essential part of surviving the Cortland winter. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule each day, eating well, and getting the right amount of sunlight exposure can make a big difference in energy levels and mood. Getting a good intake of physical activity each day is also an important factor. The SLC offers many fitness classes, and the open gym hours keep students moving even with the freezing temperatures outside. Small things like a walk to class or stretching can help reduce stress and help students focus during the semester.
Winter at SUNY Cortland can feel long and relentless, while being a vibe of closeness among students. Since the season promotes more intentional interactions, small coffee dates instead of parties or a quiet night instead of a loud outing can help friends turn into family. These cold months really help shape that experience that every student deserves to go through, building a community. Most people find comfort in creating their own winter routines, like going to the gym or going to a study spot that is not home. Even in the toughest winter, SUNY Cortland helps students stay warm with the community built here on campus. Although winter may be long, it can be filled with joy, friendships, and new memories that make this season memorable. As our new winter season comes in slowly, students won’t just be hiding from the cold. They will be finding new creative ways to make the most of it.