From Florida to Cambridge: Living in a Four Seasons State for the First Time

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”

John Steinbeck

The warm embrace of the hot Florida sun is what allowed me to glow in my adolescence. As a young adult, I feel fortunate to have been raised in the tropical climate of South Florida around an abundance of fruits that love the weather as much as I do. I was raised in North Lauderdale, Florida (FL), where the only two seasons I experienced were wet and dry. The flat landscape coupled with expansive views of the sky and the sea solaced me, while the attractions of Walt Disney World entertained me. Having traveled to different countries (such as Scotland or England) and states (such as Michigan or Maryland) that have colder climates, I have only encountered the heat of those places—this is largely attributed to the fact I mainly traveled to those destinations during the summer months. The closest experience I’ve had with the “cold” is when I lived in Northern Florida pursuing my undergraduate degree. I lived there for the last two years and that was the first time I felt (and saw) the impacts of a colder climate. From November to February, temperatures typically range from the low 30s to the high 60s with a few freeze warnings. The massive (and common) live oak trees that surround Tallahassee, FL shed their leaves to prepare for growth, in which during this process, the hilly terrain is decorated with an abundance of colored leaves and flowers. Here, is where you, the reader, have probably started to realize that I’m hinting at a missing key element that often accompanies cold climates. That would be the snow!

At the ripe age of 23, I have never seen snow nor lived in a four seasons state. Attending Harvard Divinity School (HDS) will allow me to experience my first real winter and it has been exciting to unlock a new world of attire. From researching online to having conversations with fellow Bostonians, my preparation for the seasonal changes has been smooth due to the great advice I have received. To aid those of you who share a similar upbringing like mine or who want to narrow down their “preparation research” as they move to a new area, I will now provide you all with some tips on how to sur-thrive your first Cambridge/Boston winter! Firstly, dressing in layers will become your best friend! A moisture-wicking layer is great to have as base layers as the fabric is designed to actively absorb and move moisture away from your body which will keep you dry and comfortable, especially during any physical activity. Long, thermal underwear are perfect for trapping body heat and can easily be removed if you become hot once inside of a building. Thicker socks are perfect for everyday wear, especially wool (or wool-blend) socks, as these are insulating and keep you warm in wet temperatures. Now that you have the perfect socks, investing in “good boots” will compliment the warmth you desire. Insulated, waterproof boots with non-slip rubber soles provide good traction and slip resistance which is important when trying to avoid slipping when walking on icy sidewalks. Accessories such as hats, touchscreen gloves, and scarves provide extra coverage (and warmth) to your extremities. A small detail, but it makes a crucial difference in your comfortability. Also, if you wear glasses, anti-fog spray can help to keep fog from building up on your lenses. There’s nothing worse than not being able to see what’s right in front of you because of the climate.

Lastly, an absolute and obvious must-have is a winter coat! Either a puffy parka or down jacket that has insulation technology, like Thinsulate, and are waterproof or water-resistant as the wind is cold and harsh. Many locals have expressed to me that the Boston/Cambridge area has received less snow in recent years, however, you must be prepared for the cold as it settles on the ground (and in the air). Temperatures rarely fall below 23 degrees (Fahrenheit), with January being the coldest month, yet the extreme irregularity of the weather keeps everyone cautious. One last tip I’d like to share is investing in blackout curtains for your home. Blackout curtains help to maintain a more stable indoor temperature by keeping heat in during the winter and keeping heat out during the summer, thus making your space more energy-efficient. This concludes my suggestions for tackling the cold climate whilst navigating your (current or future) new life at HDS! I’m looking forward to, hopefully, updating you all in the near future when I’ve sur-thrived my first snowy winter!