Essential gear for surviving a Hanover winter
When I arrived in Hanover for my freshman winter, I thought, “I like the winter. It’ll be fun. If I don’t like it, I can simply be off next year.” I quickly found out that winters in Hanover are the worst. There is no such thing as a good winter, yet here I am for 13W. I’m crossing my fingers that the dreadful cold and snow won’t accompany me this time, like last year when I went to Italy or two winters ago when it felt like -30 degrees every day.
After coming face-to-face with the harsh reality that winters in Hanover are hellish, I have picked up a few tricks and accessories to keep myself warm.
1. Spare your hands, and buy yourself some tech gloves. Don’t freeze your hands over a text message! During 11W, I would have foregone the excitement of receiving a text from my crush because I love my hands. With tech gloves, you don’t have to compromise. And they don’t have to be expensive. I found a set of three pairs at Target that sells for $9.99. If you’re not a ’13 or ’14, it may be worth it to invest in a more expensive pair because you will probably be here for at least two more winters. Kate Spade has some pretty cute ones on sale. So get excited, ’16s! You no longer have to wait to open a flitz like the classes before you.
2.Ear bags are dorky, but cold ears are never a good look. Ear bags are the best for keeping your ears warm, and they won’t mess up your hair like earmuffs will.
3. Boot liners are your best friends. You may think that wearing two pairs of leggings will suffice, but you’re forgetting about your feet. Sure, socks are great, but liners are even better. Liners are inexpensive and can be used with any pair of boots or rain boots. Glove liners are also a great investment. You should probably get some liners if your tech gloves, like mine, aren’t very warm.
4. Infinity scarves. By now, everyone probably owns an infinity scarf, but you will never really appreciate it until you leave your room and it’s -30˚F and windy outside. The great thing about infinity scarves is that you can wrap them around your neck several times, and burrow your head in it when that terrible wind starts hitting your face. Personally, I like the ones sold by American Apparel because of their size, quality, and warmth.
And finally, always remember: You look better warm than wearing something cute while your teeth are chattering and your whole body is shivering.