Published: Tues., January 22, 2019
Students had a taste of winter this past fall with an early snow and below average temperatures. The holiday break was milder than usual with no major weather events and the Spring Semester began with above average temperatures. But the months of January, February, and March can be wintry with low temperatures, wind chill readings below zero, snow, and ice. Many international students will be experiencing their first winter season.
Stay Healthy and Be Careful
Exposing yourself to winter weather can be hard on the body so dress warmly. Sturdy, waterproof boots, gloves, hats and scarves will be essential during the tough winter months. Wrapping a scarf around your nose and mouth helps keep out the cold, dry air.
Keep active! Despite the surge of fitness-related resolutions each January, we tend to exercise less in winter than in summer often because the days are shorter and it may seem too cold to exercise outside. Consider joining a workout class or working out at the Rec Center so you can stay inside. Exercising in short spurts or scheduling gym visits so you can workout while watching your favorite shows may help you get into a good rhythm. Find a friend to workout with--they'll keep you motivated to go to the gym or exercise even on days when the weather isn't great. Exercising will also help you keep your energy up, even on gray days.
Keep the water bottle handy. In the winter, the air is drier, so it's even more important to drink water to keep you from getting dehydrated or your throat from getting dry. Drink at least eight cups of water daily and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which contain water also. Your skin will likely feel drier too, so you may want to use lotion or lip balm more this time of the year.
The shorter, darker days of winter can make our bodies sleepy. This is caused by the lack of melatonin production, the hormone that regulates our sleep cycles. Keep your energy up by getting a full night's sleep. Try to keep the same hours you would in the spring or summer. Eat regular meals and snack wisely to keep your energy up.
Driving can be especially challenging in the winter. Allow yourself more time to get places. Take it slow – don’t rush! Walking can be treacherous on snowy and icy sidewalks. Make sure you have good tread/non-slick footwear.
Fun Things To Do
It may be cold outside but there is no reason to hibernate at home. The University libraries, labs, and classroom can provide a warm refuge and can motivate you to progress in your studies. But there are many fun activities to get through the winter months:
- Marcus Theaters $5.00 Tuesday movies and $6.00 Thursdays for students with IDs.
- Check out the concerts, athletics, plays, and other events on campus, Pinnacle Bank Arena, The Lied Center, Lincoln Community Playhouse, TADA Theater, and Haymarket Theater.
- First Friday Art Walk: The Haymarket’s art galleries host on the first Friday of every month an “Art walk” with access to the galleries, wine offerings and cheese.
- Make a road trip to Omaha to visit the Aquarium at the Henry Doorly Zoo, Lauritzen Gardens, and the Old Market.
- Campus Rec’s Outdoor Adventures is a great place to rent cross country skis, snow shoes, and more.
- Ice skate at the Railyard Ice Rink and John Breslow Rink.
- Enjoy sledding at Holmes Park and Pioneer Park (or any other hill).
- Escape the cold by visiting the many unique museums in town:
- Lincoln Children Museum: If you have kids, this is the place to go!
- University of Nebraska State Museum (aka Morrill Hall): Say “hi” to Archie the mammoth out front. You’ll learn a lot about many animals and how Nebraska looked like many years ago.
- National Museum of Roller Skating: If you’re a roller skating fan and want to know more about its history, check out this museum.
- Museum of American Speed: This museum has a nice collection of racing-related stuff! All the way from toys to cars. If you like speed, this is a must!
- Hyde Memorial Observatory: This one is for those who are curious about life outside Earth. The planetarium is great!
- International Quilt Study Center and Museum: Interested in an art museum that's a little outside the normal. How about spending a day at the International Quilt Museum.
Winter on the UNL campus can have its own challenges but, at the same time, it can also be a very enjoyable and beautiful season.