When you ask most people their favorite season, “winter” is not what you hear. But winter in New England is not just about shivering under five layers of jackets and coats. There’s actually a lot to love about the cold season, and we’re here to tell you about it! And hopefully, get you through that seasonal depression…
1. No tourists to contend with on the way to class – or at least not too many
Although the Freedom Trail does run all year long (why does anyone want to take a walking tour in freezing temperatures?) the amount of tourists in Boston drops significantly in the colder months. No more shoving amateur photographers out of the way as you sprint past the Granary Burial Ground!
2. Ice skating on Frog Pond
Freezing temperatures mean that the definitely-disease-ridden splash pad in the middle of Boston Common gets turned into an ice skating rink (an improvement, in our opinion). For a mere $6 – and $12 for skate rentals – you can spend time with your friends, and hopefully not fall too much.
3. Snow days?!
There’s no denying that one of the best feelings is waking up in the morning and seeing that notification for no school. Even if most professors still give homework when class is canceled, at least you don’t have to make the trek to campus…at least that’s what we tell ourselves.
4. Awesome winter movie releases
It’s awards season, which means everyone is releasing the next big hit in hopes of winning an Oscar. Fine with us, because that means we get to watch more great movies! Romantic comedies in February, thrillers to get your pulse racing, and dramas just for the sheer…drama.
5. Hot chocolate as often as possible
Summer may mean ice cream, but winter means hot chocolate! Peppermint flavored, topped with cinnamon, with marshmallows, without marshmallows – there are so many options. And if you’re trying to kick that coffee addiction, hot chocolate can be a warm alternative in the cold mornings.
6. You get to wear your comfy clothes
Okay, yes, summer means fewer layers, but in the winter you get to wear the comfiest clothes imaginable. Think fuzzy mittens, flannel pajamas, and our all-time favorite: sweaters! There’s honestly nothing better than cuddling up in an oversized sweatshirt.
7. Watch the Boston Bruins skate circles around their competitors…
…or not. Either way, Boston sports slow down a bit in the winter when baseball and football seasons end. But don’t worry, the Bruins are always there to “heat” things up on the ice! Keep updated on student discounted tickets by following Suffolk SLI on Instagram.
8. So many great shows to watch
New shows, the return of old shows, it’s all happening in the winter! Streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu are always being updated, and look up your favorite shows to see when they’re returning to your screens. Tip: most shows have their season premieres in February, so keep an eye out.
9. Disney On Ice is at TD Garden!
Disney may be the happiest place on Earth, but it’s also the most expensive. If you’re a broke college student like the rest of us and can’t make it out to the actual Disney parks, grab a $20 ticket (plus fees) to Disney On Ice!
10. Knowing that spring break is coming up…
Despite all the awesome things happening in the winter (see above), if winter is still your least favorite season then at least there’s something to look forward to. Spring break means a) no class for a week, and b) no class for a week. What, is there another perk?