Steer Clear of the Winter Blues

Photo Courtesy: angel sea.

Summer is over. With all the beach volleyball matches, late night parties and outdoor concerts, it is understandable that many students would cringe when they think of the beginning of school and chilly weather after four months in the sun. Endless assignments, morning classes and piles of readings to be done might sound bad already, but added to this stressful schedule is the upcoming winter chill. Cloudy days, dry weather and gusts of wind do not make it any better to get to classes or go home after school. Forget about having fun. But do students really have to stay grounded throughout the school term because of dropping temperatures? Are there alternatives to watching television at home or stalking people on Facebook when we want a break from studying in the winter?

Don't worry, your peers on campus have suggestions for ways to combat the cold weather blues. Ramona Seupersad, the Fitness Program Assistant in the Athletics and Recreation Department mentions tons of programmes available at UTSC's Recreation Centre. “There's dancing, pilates, yoga, karate and a brand new class called Women on Weights. There is definitely something for everyone,” she says. She encourages students to make good use of the school's facilities and apply for these classes. She explains how “summer times are nice where you could walk around in the sun, but winter isn't that bad either, where you could go skating or skiing.”

First year student John D. agrees with Seupersad, he is determined to use the gym facilities and athletic services on campus during his first fall and winter semesters at UTSC. He has also been checking out different student club booths at the meeting place and is looking forward to joining their events which will be held throughout the school year.

Fourth year Psychology and English student Sahar Montazeri gives us two words for getting through this winter season, “Be positive.” For her, even going to the mall could turn out to be a fun and exciting day. Sometimes the best way to overcome something you dread is to change your perspective of looking at it. “I try to make the best out of winter times,” says first year student Luzianne Reid. “It is always interesting to see what is going on in the university itself.”

In the chilly weather, the coffee shop is first year English major Arianna Hussaini's favorite place to hang out. “If you're not really an outdoor person, the best thing to do is to go somewhere indoors with a bunch of friends,” she says. “Coffee shops are the most comfortable places where you could sit with your classmates and talk. Nobody likes being alone in the winter.”

Fourth year Economics student Peter Lin agrees that we have to hang out with friends even more when the weather gets cold. “I don't suffer from cold weather blues,” he says determinedly. This is probably the attitude we should all have when the leaves start falling from trees and the birds are migrating to the south. Let's face it. It is going to get colder whether we like it or not. So why not embrace it and rediscover the joys of fireplaces, hot winter meals, woolen mittens and oh did I mention Christmas. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.