Each year, there’s a moment when the brutal Cortland winter has arrived. It’s when you’re walking to class and the wind hits your face so hard that you start to question everything. After the initial shock wears off, you find that there are plenty of things to enjoy before Thanksgiving break arrives and before finals week consumes everyone’s minds. Here’s a winter bucket list to help you find some enjoyment in all the stress, and if you’re searching for simple things to do to make the cold feel a little less awful.
- Embrace the Snow
The snow in Cortland genuinely has a mind of its own, and once it comes, you still have to go about your same daily schedule. The first snowfall can be an opportunity to embrace the weather rather than to resist it. I find it very comforting to see the first layer of snow on campus. So if you’re walking through flurries, heavy snow, or just sitting by your window watching it fall, let this be a reminder to take time to enjoy the little details and not let the weather dictate your day.
- Movie Night In
It’s ideal to stay inside and stay warm when the weather is freezing. Make it more enjoyable by setting everything up: the cozy blankets, your favorite snacks, and maybe a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate. Put on any of your winter favorites and relax. A movie night like this is very low effort, but it turns a dark, cold night into something so much more pleasing.
- Holiday Drink Tour Around Town
Every year, coffee shops change up their menu for the holidays, so a fun winter bucket list idea is to try as many new flavors and drinks as you can. Walking around campus with a fun drink makes the day go by more easily; it can be warm or even a new iced drink you haven’t tried yet. Starbucks and Dunkin have their new menu out, and it has been a big hit so far. There are many other spots that you can try that could have gone unnoticed by you before.
- Find a New Hobby
At times when you’re taking a break from working on countless assignments or spending hours studying, you can start a new hobby. Now that the sun sets so early, this is the perfect moment to do fun little activities while everyone is cooped up. The long winter will feel less daunting if you have something to look forward to, like baking, reading, journaling, and many other activities.
- Visit the J.M. McDonald Sports Complex
With some friends, you can go to the public skating rink if you feel the need to get away from campus but want something different to do. It’s not too expensive, and it’s one of those wintertime activities that you usually don’t want to do all year round. You could still have a good time even if you’re not the best skater, plus this could be something you can strive to be better at.
- Look For Your Go-to Study Spot and Take a Walk
Either before or after your study session before finals, it’s good to reset and get some fresh air, even if you think it’s too cold to do so. Bundle up on your way there and change up your routine ever so slightly. To make the studying bearable, you can go with your favorite winter drink and maybe even a blanket if you want to be more comfortable. Look for spots that are underused, like the top floor or little hidden nooks of the library, and even spots in Old Main.