You never really think of Ohio as being particularly cold in the winter. Sure, similar to Pennsylvania where I’m from, it might occasionally creep into the single digit temperatures, but it’s not one of the coldest states out there. While I was applying to colleges, this was something I heavily considered. I didn't want to live somewhere like Michigan or North Dakota where the temperatures are rarely out of the negatives come December. But to think that Oberlin College was an exception… absolutely foolish of me. Every day is a reminder that Oberlin is in fact a college of Northern Ohio. The real killer is the wind. Oberlin is located about half an hour from Lake Eerie, and if you’re not aware, large bodies of water make for killer winds (even if you're not directly on them). So yes, for anyone who wants their winters to be a breezy 45-60 degrees every day, Oberlin might not be the place for you. But if you’re willing to put up with intense winds, daily snowfall, and temperatures that reach negative 5 to be a student at one of the most creative and scholarly institutions in the country, read on to learn how to survive winter at Oberlin College.
For starters, the most important thing you need is a big winter coat. For the first few weeks of December, I was living off of a thrifted leather jacket and a crochet hat. Safe to say, I was not happy. For Christmas I begged my parents for a coat with some substance- I’m talking fluffy hood, built in gloves, insulated pockets, and some quality puff. After spending all of Winter Term with this baby, I couldn't survive without it. This particular coat is from Hollister, but if you want something a little more high quality with all the same benefits, North Face and Columbia are going to be your friends.
In addition to your big coat, never skimp out on a warm scarf/face cover. Like I was saying, the winds of Oberlin are no joke. I recall one time at the beginning of January, I was walking from rehearsal at the Wurtzel Theater back to South Hall, and I genuinely started crying because of the sharp pain from the violent wind blowing in my face at a million miles per hour (that’s hyperbolic, but tears were actually streaming down my face). Any scarf will do as long as it's warm and big enough to pull over your mouth and nose. I recommend investing in a friend who crochets so they can make you a nice warm bundle. Trust me, you’ll be able to find these crafty folks at this school.
Now, it’s no secret that Oberlin gets a lot of snow. Like, mountains of snow. Seriously imagine a bunch of snow, and then quadruple that, and that’s how much snow Oberlin gets during the winter. Because of this, you will need a pair of snow boots. No, silly liberal arts student, Doc Martens are NOT snow boots. I mean something that is completely waterproof, has a little platform, and is insulated to keep your feet warm. My snow boots are Sorel brand and extremely long lasting and high quality. They’re a bit pricey ($100-$150 range), but they will last you years. BONUS: if you want your feet and ankles to be extra warm, I’d recommend a pair of fluffy socks!
Lastly, the secret to surviving harsh winters is thermal layering. Spoiler alert, you do not have to sacrifice your cute fits for warmth! Just add a pair of thermal leggings under whatever pants you wear, add a thermal long-sleeve top under a cozy hoodie or sweater, and no one will even notice you have it on. For me personally, I hate having to forgo a cool outfit to stay warm, so thermal underwear is my best friend. You can get sets of these undergarments for pretty cheap on Amazon, and they’ll last you a while.
So, now you have all the tools you need to survive as an Oberlin student in the winter. If you’re applying, keep this in mind: Oberlin is colder than you think. However, this should not deter you from pursuing an outstanding education at one of the top Liberal Arts colleges. Just make sure you come prepared!
