Dear Mum & Dad, it's cold outside...

electroluminescence

It's a little unbelievable that my first year of university is nearing its end. In just over a month I'll be flying back to the place that I call home, and trading in this American landscape for 100% humidity, ridiculous sunshine, palm trees. Oh, and the sight of my family. They're kinda important, shouldn't forget them.

But, speaking of the vast difference in weather between South East Asia and Northeastern America...

One thing I remember that my uni counsellor mentioned, but probably didn't impress upon us enough (and that we all probably ignored) was the effect weather has on your psyche. Every one of us picked schools based on our own personal preferences - tailored slightly by our parents' wishes - and I don't know about you, but I definitely didn't give much thought to weather. The weather in the region where I grew up has four seasons: hot & dry, very hot & dry, hot & wet, and very hot & wet. There are also four seasons where I currently go to school, however these four seasons are: spring, summer, autumn and winter.

It's currently spring, and spring is a lovely season because everything is blooming and it's not too hot, but it's not chilly either. Autumn is visually arresting in its blaze of reds, oranges and yellows, cold yes, but with room for one to dress fashionably. Winter though...Do not be fooled by quaint postcards and romantic descriptions in novels of crisp white snow and gorgeous firesides. Winter starts in Decemberish and extends through until around about March. Snow may be pretty as it falls, but when you add violent wind to it and the snow is in your eyes, nose and mouth it starts to look less pretty. You will not understand the expression "bitter cold" until you've experienced below freezing weather for four, five, six plus days straight. Sometimes it's cold enough to chill you to your bones, but not cold enough for snow, so what happens? The snow melts, and then it rains. Freezing rain. Which means ice everywhere, on every pathway and sidewalk. Which leads to many bruised and battered college students.

I'd never really shivered until I came here. I'd never taken so long to get dressed before being able to venture outside. Not to mention, winter clothes are damn expensive! Gloves, boots, scarves, earwarmers, hats, sweaters, t-shirts...the list goes on.

The first time I saw snow fall it was rather lovely and magical in a way. But I was quickly pining for my palm trees and my humidity.

So, think about the weather wherever you're planning to go for college. Stock your wardrobe accordingly, and don't be surprised when the seasonal depression kicks in. The weather is more important than you think.

Tip: Don't leave your dorm without knowing what the weather is like outside.