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The first winter at Syracuse University is an initiation ritual. For a good number of students, it’s their first taste of 15-degree weather and a -5 degree wind chill — a shock to the system for most freshmen. It’s not just the drop in temperature that’s startling, but also the feelings of alienation and homesickness mixed with new responsibilities. I learned quickly that leggings, Uggs and a jacket wasn’t going to cut it. Despite being used to the brick temperatures of New York City I realized right away that winters in the city are nothing compared to central New York. Here’s what I wish I had known when I was stepping into these cold gray months as a freshman.

In the winter, Syracuse’s sidewalks are a patchwork of ice and slush and the cold clings to your bones. My usual 15-minute stroll to class evolved into a race against the climate; a five-minute sprint, face buried in my scarf in an attempt to get inside before my fingers froze solid. Every step is a test of will against the elements as the winter continues to demand our respect at SU. We’re thinking about the snow before it even hits, perpetuating a battle against layers of gear only to shed it once we get inside sweltering classrooms.

Outside of class, you can sled down Crouse hill with metal trash lids — a rite of passage — or spend afternoons ice skating with friends at Tennity Ice Pavilion on South Campus. The crisp air on the rink and the clinking of skates helped me forget about the freezing temperatures when I visited this semester.

A constant theme in college life that also applies to surviving winter is the act of transitioning, which students must do intentionally. While trudging through snow is brutal, there’s something about winter in Syracuse that makes it feel more alive than at home. People don’t just hunker down and wait for it to pass — they embrace it.

Freshman year is all about exploring. There were times when the weight of long hours at the library would tire me out, creating the perfect opportunity to get my feet moving. I recommend finding a local staple to spend time away from your dorm in the cold months, like I have with Varsity Pizza and its cozy, inviting atmosphere. Even if I’m going solo, banking on an outlet I feel comfortable in is helping me through this frigid period.

But just as quickly as I found my place, academic stakes revealed themselves. Midterm week scattered papers across my room and induced the pervasive feeling I should be constantly studying. The pressure left me wanting to confine myself in my dorm, pull the covers over my head and let out a few tears.

You must pursue moments that remind you you’re not alone once it starts snowing. I often head over to friends’ dorms just to hang out and unwind, as commiserating with my peers lessens the cold just a bit. Prioritizing connection is key even when you don’t want to put in the extra effort to trek over to a friend’s dorm.

Make sure you’re layering up your emotional resilience, too, along with your warm clothes. Everything felt new and overwhelming stepping onto campus initially, but as my first week unfolded, I got a sense of my place at the university. It wasn’t just the stunning campus and its vibrant spirit, but its ability to blend rigorous academics with such a profound sense of school spirit that opened my eyes to new possibilities and a sense of comfort.

The reality of balancing social life with academics and the unpredictable Syracuse weather have forced me to slow down and reevaluate my priorities. I have begun shifting into a quieter, more introspective mindset. In the space of winter’s forced stillness, I found space for self-reflection, attempting to figure out who I was outside of the constant social buzz and what I truly wanted from my time at college.

If this semester left you feeling isolated or without the connections you hoped for, remember that social life in college isn’t a linear or quick process. Don’t be discouraged by the feeling that you’re behind or that you’ll never find your people. It may take effort and time to connect with others who truly resonate with you. As uncomfortable as it feels, college is a journey of growth and your relationships will grow along with you.

Keep reaching out, keep being yourself and don’t give up on the process of meeting new people. Friendship often happens when and where you least expect it. Every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to finding the support and community you deserve in college — even amid the coldest temperatures.

Autumn Clarke is a freshman majoring in broadcast and digital journalism. She can be reached at auclarke@syr.edu.

Published on December 11, 2024 at 10:41 pm