Monday’s flurries were only the beginning. If you are new to State College, you might’ve thought that’s as bad as it gets. I hate to be the one to tell you, but you are sadly mistaken.

Winter in Happy Valley doesn’t play nice.

One day you’re sipping on an iced coffee on the HUB Lawn, and the next you’re trying not to slip on the ice-covered sidewalks to make it to your 8 a.m. lecture.

Whether this winter will be your first time seeing real snow, or you’re a senior who still refuses to buy actual winter gear, here is your crash course on surviving a Penn State winter.

Don’t Go Outside With Wet Hair (Trust Me)

We’ve all done it, running late, hair still damp from your morning shower, thinking it will dry on the way to class. Spoiler, it won’t. Instead, it will freeze solid within two minutes of stepping outside.

Speaking from personal experience, dry your hair completely before braving the cold. A hat or hood won’t help.

Layers Are Life

You may have already noticed that Penn State buildings either feel like saunas or meat lockers. There is no in-between, and it is so unpredictable. Your key to comfort is layering. Hoodies, flannels, thermals, the list goes on. You will thank yourself when you can shed some layers when you start sweating in class.

Wearing actual coats is cool.

Make Hot Drinks Your Personality

At some point, you’ll realize that hot drinks, whatever your preference, are less a drink and more of a coping mechanism. Ditch the iced coffee and try something hot. Berkey, Irving’s, and Starbucks are all reliable safe havens from frostbite.

Learn The Sidewalk Shortcuts

Some sidewalks seem like they get plowed every 15 minutes, and others might as well be ice rinks. Figure out which sidewalks are which, and you’re golden. If you don’t, prepare yourself to end up in the splits trying to get to class sometime this winter.

Check Weather Apps Like They Are Social Media

If you haven’t figured it out already, State College weather changes faster than TikTok trends. Make a habit of checking a weather app frequently. Just because it is 40° and sunny when you’re walking to class doesn’t mean it won’t be snowing horizontally by the time you’re walking home.

Embrace The Chaos

Unfortunately, there is only so much you can you can do to face the winter here. At least once in your time at Penn State, you will slip on the ice, lose feeling in your fingers, and question why you chose to go to a school that is basically located in a snow globe. Honestly, you just have to accept that it is part of the Penn State charm. Spring will come…eventually.

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You can’t beat a Penn State winter. However, you can, at least physically, prepare yourself to face it head-on. Stock up on hand warmers, waterproof everything, and find a friend with a car that can drive in the snow.

And seriously, wear an actual coat.