A Grad Student's Guide to Not Crying in the Cold

When I landed in Boston for grad school, fresh from Chennai’s eternal summer, I thought I was ready for anything. Course load? Bring it on. Cultural shifts? Sure. But then came the big one: winter. Or as everyone made it sound: a Game of Thrones-level apocalypse.

"You’ll freeze."
"You’ve never seen snow?"
"Boston? In JANUARY? Good luck."

I started questioning all my decisions. I imagined myself cocooned in five sweaters, crying into a mug of chai, Googling "how to apply for university transfer to somewhere warm."

But here’s the plot twist: it really wasn’t that bad. Cold? Yeah. But completely survivable — and even kind of magical — once you figure out the system.

Step one: thermals are your underdog MVPs. No one sees them, but they carry the whole team. Wear them under everything and suddenly, snow days feel like mildly dramatic Instagram material instead of torture.

Next: Black Friday is your salvation. I snagged a Columbia jacket and winter boots at half price, and I’ve never felt more victorious. Pro tip: make sure your jacket is actually made for winter (not the cute-but-useless puffer) and that your boots say things like "insulated," "waterproof," and "slip-resistant." Especially the last one. Ice doesn’t care about your dignity.

Also, protect your ears like they’re exam grades. A freezing wind will slice through your soul, but mostly through your ears. Beanies, ear muffs, or just a hoodie pulled tight — whatever works.

But let’s talk about the unspoken villain: seasonal depression. It creeps in slowly — shorter days, constant gray skies, and the sun ghosting you for weeks. Some days, everything feels heavier. Here’s my advice: don’t become a hermit. Staying indoors 24/7 makes it worse. Go outside, even if it’s just to walk around aimlessly, grab hot chocolate, or pretend you’re in a dramatic winter movie montage.

Oh, and hot drinks become a lifestyle. Tea. Soup. Coffee. More tea. Heated blanket. Candle. Cozy music. Repeat. It’s the season of romanticizing your life — or at least pretending to — and honestly, it helps.

So no, you don’t have to fear Boston winters. You just have to outsmart them. And maybe carry an extra pair of socks.