The autumn leaves have fallen. The days are short. The temperatures have dropped. One thing is clear: Winter isn’t coming, it’s here! But don’t let the cold get in the way of enjoying this time of year. Here are a few tips from Northeastern’s Global Student Success on how to stay warm, survive, and thrive, in the winter.

Come prepared with the right gear

Whether it’s navigating walkways of sleet and snow or enduring chilly gusts of wind, wearing the proper clothing can make your life much easier. Make sure you’re prepared with a reliable winter coat, a set of go-to gloves, a warm hat, and a sturdy pair of winter boots. 

Be aware of what fabrics you are wearing. Polyester, wool, or silk are the best bets for drawing away moisture, and trapping warm air next to your skin. 

Make sure to exercise

Staying indoors and hibernating might seem preferable to exercising, but staying physically active is a great way to keep yourself warm, as it can raise your body’s heart rate. 

If you’re on or around the Boston campus, the Marino Center will remain open until 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20. It will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, with its regular hours of operation—5 a.m. to 1 a.m.

The Badger and Rosen Squash­Busters facility will be open for most of December, closed only for Christmas and New Year’s Day.

If traditional forms of exercising aren’t enticing enough, try other activities to keep yourself engaged, such as yoga. There are daily yoga sessions until Friday, Dec. 13, in the Sacred Space on the second floor of Ell Hall.

Find routes that will keep you warm(er)

There are going to be rough days when the bone-chilling breeze can make you dread any time spent outside. On those days, make sure you have a route in mind that will keep your body the warmest, or a couple of stops along the way to reheat your body and recharge your mind.

If you’re on the Boston campus, travel through the underground tunnels. It’s an effective way of navigating between a number of buildings—including Snell Library and the Curry Student Center.

Be aware of the pipes in your dorm or apartment

Frozen pipes can create big problems in your home, but it’s an issue that can be prevented with the right precautions. 

For students in dorms, don’t leave your room without first ensuring that all your windows are tightly closed. For students living off-campus, make sure the thermostat is set to no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

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