The snowy season can be an exciting as well as a challenging season in Canada, especially for international students. In B.C., winter weather generally begins in November and lasts until March, with the snowiest months generally being December, January, and February. Although it is very exciting for international students to witness the feathery flakes falling, snow can quickly become a cause of distress if unprepared. Whether it is health, safety, transportation, social or emotional well-being, everything seems to be adversely affected by the winter season. Many students are not able to cope with these conditions, leading to stress and isolation.
The lack of proper preparation can make it difficult to survive extreme weather conditions, which emphasizes the need to have a strong snow survival guide. So, here are some guidelines to help survive the winter season:
Warm clothing: Buy a warm winter jacket that is suitable for very low temperatures. Winter clothes brought from one’s home country may not be suitable to counter the extreme weather conditions here, so it is advised to have a winter jacket that is rated for the coldest situations.
Layered clothing: Layer your clothes — both tops and bottoms — to increase insulation. For the top, wear warm inner layers underneath, followed by sweaters or sweatshirts, and finally warm jackets as the outermost layer. For the bottom, wear thick leggings under your bottom garment. Wool and synthetic fabrics are recommended for the innermost layer.
Caps, gloves, and socks: Wear warm, multi-layered caps, gloves, and socks, and always keep a cap and a pair of gloves in your backpack when leaving the house. Make sure to cover your face with a warm scarf or muffler to keep the wind off your face.
Footwear: When snow freezes and turns into ice, it becomes dangerously slippery. Thus, it is important to have proper footwear to avoid slipping, as slipping on ice can cause severe injuries. Shoes made of leather or faux leather are recommended for this season.
Weather alerts: Always check for any weather alerts before planning to leave the house. In case of severe weather warnings, such as ice storms, try to stay indoors.
Commuting through public transport: If you use public transit for commuting, always check for delays in the scheduled times before leaving; delays are common during the snowy season. You can also use apps like Transit to see the location of the buses in real time.
Snow tires: Make sure to get snow tires on your vehicle prior to the winter season. Without snow tires, it can be difficult to handle the car in snowy and icy conditions. Driving at a slow speed is also advised in poor weather or dangerous road conditions.
Ice scraper and snow brush: Always keep an ice scraper and a snow brush in your car to remove any ice or snow that may obstruct your visibility. Before you start driving, make sure to get all the snow off the vehicle.
Umbrella: Always keep an umbrella in your backpack when leaving the house, as winter weather in B.C. can be very unpredictable.
Stock utilities: Check for weather alerts regularly to keep yourself updated, and in cases of adverse weather forecasts, stock your food supplies and other home utilities to avoid going out in winter weather conditions.
Skin: Your skin can easily become dry in cold conditions, so be sure to apply lotions, moisturizers, and lip balms frequently.
By planning ahead and carefully following precautions, you can easily survive and enjoy the Canadian winter season without being overwhelmed. By being proactive, you can keep yourself healthy and safe this winter while having peace of mind.
