As someone originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, California, I’m used to a much warmer and temperate climate. So, needless to say, my first two years in Ithaca were an adjustment! But I’m here to tell you that yes, although the winters can be long and cold, they’re not impossible to get through, and who knows – you might even learn to love the snow a little bit by the end of your time at Cornell!

My first recommendation would be to get a high-quality puffer jacket to keep you warm during the winter. I know they can be expensive, but my Aritzia Superpuff is quite literally my lifeline between the months of November to April, so it’s worth the big bucks for me. My friends also wear jackets from other brands such as North Face, Patagonia, and Columbia.  

My second recommendation would be to invest in a good pair of winter boots. These come in super handy especially once there’s snow and ice on the ground when walking to and from classes. I have a pair of Blundstone boots which I love and would definitely recommend to others – I pretty much wear them every day in the winter (along with a sweater and my puffy jacket).

In addition to my main two recommendations, depending on how new the cold Ithaca climate is for you, I would also recommend getting a pair of gloves (I have a pair of black cashmere gloves that I sometimes wear when it’s extra cold out), a good beanie (I have a cute beanie from Free People that I wear when walking to class), and a sun lamp. Yes, that last one may sound a little crazy, but I really miss the California sun, and a sun lamp can help when there is less daylight outside.  

Lastly, while in Ithaca, try to embrace the winter weather! Take a hike by a frozen waterfall, utilize Cornell Outdoor Education gear, or have snowball fights with your friends! A positive attitude can help cure winter blues as much as any jacket or beanie.