Autumn is among us and now we’re experiencing a consistent trend on the Storrs campus: windy weather. Upperclassmen are used to the constant struggle with the elements, but newcomers might be unprepared for what they’re going to face for the cold seasons. For those who are new to Storrs or New England weather, here’s some helpful ways to avoid being blown away.
Dress warm
Temperatures might not be freezing just yet, but the windchill will make your journey between classes miserable. The sunny and hot days of summer have passed, so it’s time to put your shorts and tank tops away for the rest of the year. Instead, bring a sweater or jacket to campus. It doesn’t have to be a thick winter coat, but a light sweater or windbreaker will suffice.
This also means wearing insulating pants and close-toed shoes. Cotton or thicker clothing can usually retain heat well, be mindful of what types of material you’re wearing. Once the temperature drops to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, it might be time to whip out the scarves and gloves. If you love accessories, have fun mixing and matching your outfit.
Tie your hair/wear a hat
Anyone with long hair has likely realized how annoying the wind is, especially if you have your hair down. As a warning, bring a hair tie or something to clip your hair back so that you can actually see where you’re going. Even though you might look better with your hair down, the wind will inevitably make your hair frizzy or destroy any style you were going for.
For those who don’t have to worry about having hair in their face, you might want to consider wearing a hat for the cold weather. Hats aren’t just for the fall aesthetic, but they’re also for keeping your head and ears warm. Many are familiar with the uncomfortable chill of having cold ears. Unfortunately, wireless earbuds don’t get the job done. I like to switch out my Apple AirPods for my Beats headphones.
For the love god, NO UMBRELLAS!
Storrs tends to be rainy, so it’s tempting to use an umbrella while walking around. But the elements are always against you and the wind will have no problem fighting you and your umbrella. On rainy days you’ll see many students carrying around inside-out umbrellas or struggling with them while walking.
Save yourself the headache and invest in a good rain jacket. Umbrellas would work if it’s raining very heavily, though usually this means the wind isn’t as strong. But I’m not a meteorologist and I have been wrong before. It’s better to carry a small umbrella in your bag in the event you need it, but it’s usually a last resort.
Stay indoors
The best way to avoid the wind is to stay indoors. Luckily, there are lots of places to sit on campus. Buildings like the Student Union or the Homer Babbidge Library have lounges or study areas for students to reside. Most academic buildings also have benches or tables to sit at as well.
Days during the fall tend to be cold and windy, but sunny and beautiful at the same time. It’s tempting to sit at a table outside and enjoy the view but try not to leave stray papers lying around. I promise you the wind will pick them up and send you on a wild goose chase for your homework. Avoid the embarrassment and sit inside or weigh down your papers.
Drive defensively
Not everyone has their license, or a car on campus. But this rule applies mostly to commuter students. Strong winds can push your car around when you’re driving, or even when you’re parked. Stay alert and don’t get distracted when driving.
The highways around campus like Interstate 84 or Route 44 are either full of traffic or flowing with cars at high speeds. Faster speeds make slight turns or bumps more dramatic, and strong winds only exacerbate this. As a safety precaution, drive within reason with the speed limit and avoid staying parallel to other vehicles.