When it comes to mentioning Buffalo to outsiders, the first words usually uttered are long winters and hills of snow. Considering the truth in the descriptions, students can at least be joyful this isn't a true frozen tundra.
???Coming to grips with the unfortunate climate is one thing, but surviving without hibernation is another.
???When contemplating the attire for the day, students are more apt to go for a hooded sweatshirt and sweatpants than a haute couture. Keeping personal style during sub-zero temperatures can become difficult when trying to stand out in a crowd of UGG boots and velour.
???According to Leomary Rodriguez, a freshman media study major, the sweatpants definitely make a big appearance in the winter season. Sweats are easy, fast and require little thought in the wee hours of the morning.
???Not only do legs and arms need extra warmth, but one of the most important things to do is keeping the head warm, according to Rodriguez.
???Hats can add a touch of personality to even the grungiest over-worn sweatpants and pull focus to the face instead of salt-stained boots.
???The most crucial concern when getting dressed for the elements is keeping the shivers at bay. Piling on the layers can keep students cozy by not having to forfeit fashion, according to Javon Slaughter, a junior psychology major.
??? If getting dressed becomes a battle, then facing the elements just to get a drink is unbearable. The cocktail of wind, snow and frigidity puts a damper on even the best social invite.
???According to Rodriguez, the idea of leaving the house in the winter causes an instant lack of motivation to move. Staying inside almost becomes an art form once the temperature drops.
???Completely, foregoing a social life isn't really an option for some students. House parties become a weekend specialty, according to Slaughter.
???"House parties are convenient," Slaughter said. "That way you don't have to walk very far."
???According to Rodriguez, catching up on current must-see films is a standard for many stuck in the snowy Buffalo.
???When the need for a good old-fashioned bar night comes into play, students seek out cabs for their nighttime transportation, Slaughter said.
???The winter weather makes walking a treacherous task so putting forth the extra couple bucks to share a heated cab means trading luxury for a case of frostbite.
???Although fashion and social standing make up half of the college experience, the other half, classes, becomes a bit more tedious once the snow sets in.
???According to Slaughter, students need to wake up earlier during the winter in order to create a warmer route to class. By creating a route through buildings instead of outdoor terraces, students can save on exposure time.
???"Staying indoors as much as possible helps," Rodriguez said. "The tunnels help out a lot as well as just staying in one place."
???Although waking up early seems like a chore, students need to pull out all the stops when it comes to avoiding the elements and still receiving that gold star-worthy grade point average.
???No matter if it means putting on that grade school snowsuit or walking through a labyrinth of hallways just to avoid the great outdoors, there is a necessity for knowledge and a tough it up attitude.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
