The world rang in the new year nearly a month ago, and now we ring in a new semester. For some of us it will be our last at Brown, a bittersweet moment at the intersection of reflection on the past and anticipation for the future. To them we say welcome back, and take some time to enjoy your last weeks with us.
For some transfer students, this will be their very first semester at Brown, and the beginning of an undoubtedly exciting and challenging time. We welcome them into the Brown family and are eager for their contributions to the community.
But we dedicate this editorial primarily to the returning freshmen, and particularly those from warmer places. You know who we're talking about — the Angelinos who layer on the parkas when the temperature drops below 60 degrees for the first time, the Arizonans who have no idea what earmuffs are and the Floridians who have never seen snow.
For the first time in our experience at Brown, no snow fell in Providence last semester, so students from warmer climes weren't able to acclimate themselves to the devastatingly cold — and icy — winters in Providence. So far, it seems that Rhode Island is trying to make up for lost time: Nearly three times as much snow has already fallen this month as falls in the average January.
Given that the sidewalks are even icier — and the snow even deeper — than usual, we thought we would give a few tips to those students less familiar with our city's vicious winters.
Get some boots. Though flip-flops are common most of the year, this is clearly not the time for them. Even well-built tennis shoes don't really do the job in thick snow, slippery ice and treacherously deep puddles. Without boots, one wrong step could be disastrous.
Use your hoodies. Several days ago, the temperature dropped below zero, and it could easily do so again. It's projected to be in the single digits again this weekend. No matter how many layers you wear, your ears will freeze painfully unless they are covered. So, you could buy earmuffs — or you could just wear your hoodie, which would have the added benefit of keeping your hair from freezing.
Take SafeRide or the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority trolleys. Normally, it's pretty easy to get around campus and even to downtown Providence on foot. In this weather, however, walking can be difficult and even dangerous. Take advantage of the SafeRide vans that circulate around campus. If you are going to Kennedy Plaza, the Providence Place Mall or simply elsewhere on the East Side, hop on the RIPTA trolleys. They are easy to use and free with any Brown ID, and it sure beats trekking up the hill in this weather.
Winters in New England can be a little shocking for the uninitiated. But they're not so bad (except that professors usually expect you to still go to class!), and it makes spring all the better. We hope new and returning students alike aren't daunted by the inhospitable weather as they get situated for the semester to come.
Editorials are written by The Herald's editorial page board. Send comments to editorials@browndailyherald.com.
