As winter boots and hot chocolate begin to fly off the shelves, it's obvious that fall is slipping away. The cold breeze that's been sweeping across campus for the past week is just a friendly reminder for UB students to start gearing up for the cold months ahead.
UB students could take a lesson from Buffalonian Michael Braaten, a senior computer science major, who is always prepared with winter supplies.
"I keep a snow brush in my car all year round. It was there all summer," Braaten said. "I used it on Tuesday for three people at Rite Aid because no one had snow brushes in their cars. That's why I keep it (there), because I live in Buffalo and crazy things happen."
Dustin Scott, a junior communication major from New York City, is about to experience his first Buffalo winter. Scott has geared up with the appropriate winter apparel and supplies, wary of a snowstorm similar to last year's October Surprise Storm hitting Buffalo again.
"I got my boots, extra sweaters, a new winter jacket, new hats - the basic essentials," Scott said. "I heard about the October snowstorm. So you've got to store food, at least two weeks' worth, and put together a survival kit with batteries and flashlights."
Out-of towners aren't the only ones who are going to need to adjust to the coming weather. When the snow starts to fall, students driving to campus will have the hardest time adjusting to iced over cars, slick road conditions and hectic traffic situations.
"I'm a commuter, so now I'll have to get up earlier and go to bed earlier," said Nicole Mutignani, a sophomore political science major. "I try to have a warm hoodie in the car and an extra pair of gloves in case I lose a pair."
Sherri Darrow, the director of Wellness Education Services, encourages students to use common sense when dealing with winter conditions.
"In order to manage stress in the winter months, one needs to leave more time to get to and from places," Darrow said. "This may not be easy to do, but knowing that it takes time to clean off your car or pack your lunch because you won't be able to get to your room/house between classes, can help you get through the day more smoothly."
For students who own cars, maintenance is a must. Switching to snow tires, getting routine checks before winter hits and weighing down the car to counteract icy conditions are just some of the ways that students are preparing for winter driving.
"I have 150 pounds of sand in the back of my truck," said Wendy Sheehan, a senior education major. "It helps with the weight ratio."
Earlier dusks and blustery weather can lead to the winter blues. According to Darrow, it's important for students to take care of themselves mentally and physically to fight the cabin fever.
"Less sunlight and daylight can negatively impact some people's moods and energy levels, so try and get outside during the daylight when you can," Darrow said. "Think about taking a walk on a sunny day to replenish vitamin D and to counter the darkness of winter."
With weather systems blowing off Lake Erie, Buffalo temperatures regularly drop below freezing. Tishana Daniel, a junior biological sciences major, takes dressing for the weather and cold classrooms seriously.
"I wear leggings, T-shirts, sweaters, hoodies...I bundle up because it gets so cold outside," Daniel said. "I wouldn't want to get sick."
To avoid the outside environment when weather gets rough, students can take advantage of the bus services that travel between North and South Campus. There is also a shuttle service that departs from various locations on both campuses every 10 to 30 minutes. Another way to avoid going outside is to use the Academic Spine, which connects most of the buildings on North Campus.
Nora Bayly, a freshman communication major, already has her route all planned out to minimize spending time outside.
"I'll basically walk from the bus stop to the Union," Bayly said. "The less time that I spend outside, the better."
Shuttle schedules can be found at www.ub-parking.buffalo.edu.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
