As the winter carries on, you can expect to see temperatures continuing to drop and snowfall increasing in frequency. It’s important to not only stay warm and cozy during these cold times, but also safe in case of weather emergencies and up to date on the state of campus (and your courses!).
Canadian winters can be unpredictable, but you can stay one step ahead of the curb by preparing yourself adequately for it. Here are some tips for surviving and thriving throughout the winter season at York.
1. Layer up!
York’s campuses tend to be quite expansive and walking to different buildings can sometimes leave you out in the cold for 10-20 minutes at a time. A good pair of gloves, shoes and a winter coat are essential, but they can only do so much. Wearing thermal or heat insulated clothing under your outfits or simply layering your clothing can save you a lot of discomfort when wandering around campus. At the same time, try to avoid going outside by taking shortcuts through buildings to get to your destination without having to brave the winter. The best way to stay warm is to stay indoors.
Pro tip: Be careful of ice! Check out our Safety Tips webpage for more information on how to report an icy area or an area in need of snow removal.
2. Download the York U Safety app
In addition to providing direct access to security and being a great resource overall, the York U Safety app can also keep you up to date on various weather emergencies. In the event that campus is shut down due to a blizzard or other weather-based phenomenon, you can get immediate updates from the app. This is just one of many reasons why you should download the event.
Pro tip: There are Blue Light Emergency Phones located around campus if you are ever in an emergency, weather-related or otherwise.
3. Check York’s social channels
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to check on the status of campus is by checking out York’s various social media channels. This could be Instagram, X, TikTok or Facebook. It also never hurts to check out the website or social media of the transportation service you use to get to school. You can easily find this information on York’s transportation website.
4. Reach out to your course instructors
In our post-lockdown world of Zoom meetings and interconnectedness, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether your class has been cancelled, postponed or is meeting virtually. The best way to know for sure what to expect from your classes is to reach out to your professors directly. This can typically be done through email or eClass, but depending on the course (and your professor) you can also access them via other means such as attending scheduled office hours or alternative social media platforms like Discord.
Despite the cold, we can make the most of this weather and try to enjoy it while it lasts! The snow and sunshine can be beautiful, and York becomes a bit of a winter wonderland around this time of year – so why not have some fun? Make sure to monitor your weather app and dress accordingly when going out, keep up to date with York’s socials and stay warm and indoors as often as you can. Before you know it, spring will be rolling around again.