With it being mid-January — and a frigid 9 degrees (-13°C) outside at the time of writing — I’m often reminded of a question I hear on nearly every campus tour from fellow warm-climate visitors: “How do you handle Boston winters?” Or, more broadly, “How do you manage being so far away from home?”

For some context, I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where temperatures rarely climb above 85 or dip below 45, and it rains a modest 30 days a year. So, as you can imagine, experiencing real seasons for the first time — and moving 3,000 miles from home my freshman year — was a major adjustment. Now, after three winters on the East Coast and nearly two full years away from home, I feel equipped to share some honest advice for applicants who may be wary about making the big move.

 

First things first: Boston winters

 

They are no joke. With temperatures that rarely rise above freezing, limited daylight, and a whipping wind that can take your breath away, cross-campus treks can occasionally feel daunting. That said, here are a few tips that helped me adjust to the climate shift:

 

Invest in a good coat:

 

It’s amazing what a difference a high-quality winter coat can make. Before the cold really sets in, do some research and ask your new New England friends (and even their parents!) for recommendations — you’ll thank yourself later.

Have fun with layering:

 

Layering isn’t just practical; it’s an opportunity to experiment with new styles. Think cozy hats, scarves, gloves, and maybe even fuzzy earmuffs. The more layers, the warmer — and more creative — you can be.

Lean into it:

 

Winter on the hill is genuinely fun. With snowmen scattered across lawns (and even atop buildings), prime sledding spots, and late-night snowball fights, campus comes alive after every snowfall. If it’s your first real winter, embrace the magic and enjoy the winter whimsy.

 

Adjusting to your new home-away-from-home:

 

Beyond the weather, moving far from home can bring its own challenges. Here are a few strategies that helped me navigate homesickness:

 

Stay connected with loved ones:

 

Between time zones and busy schedules, staying in touch can be tricky. Setting up a regular call time can help, but if that’s not feasible, try voice memos. Some of the highlights of my week are seven-minute recordings from my best friend back home, recapping everything I missed.

Bring small comforts from home:

 

When decorating your room, pack a few meaningful items — photos, a favorite stuffed animal, or familiar posters — to make the space feel like yours. For larger items like bedding, pillows, lamps, or fans, it’s often easier (and cheaper) to buy them once you arrive rather than shipping them from afar.

Be open-minded and try new things:

 

My biggest piece of advice? Immerse yourself in your new environment. Join clubs. Explore Boston. Get to know your hallmates and classmates. Dive into your studies. Most importantly, have fun! There are countless opportunities and incredible people waiting for you at Tufts — so jump in and start making memories.