Winter in Manchester can be tough. The days get shorter, the cold creeps in and the temptation to hibernate under your duvet gets very real. But, as a third year, I’ve realised now that winter here can also be magical. Instead of hiding away until Spring, here’s your guide to staying warm, motivated, and making the most of Manchester- whatever the weather.
Keeping warm
It might seem obvious, but keeping warm really is the key to staying motivated and upbeat. I’ve noticed that when I go out without the right clothing, my mood drops instantly. Honestly, this can ruin the whole day before it’s even began. Winter warmth is all about layers. Thermal tops, leggings, jumpers and waterproofs are your starting essentials. Build your outfits around these and you’ll be able to sustain the cold weather much better. When you’re at home, blankets, hot water bottles and fluffy socks are small affordable investments that can make a big difference. Having that extra warmth will truly help you to feel at home in your student accommodation during the cold months.
Eat warm, feel warm
Winter is the perfect season for comforting batch cooking. It really doesn’t need to be anything fancy, but simple dishes like soups and pasta bakes can really make your day when it’s cold and dark outside. Commit to making yourself a cheap, homecooked meal tonight, and I guarantee it’ll make you feel so much better after!
Beating the winter slump
Shorter days can seriously make your motivation dip. When it’s already getting dark outside the library at 4pm, it can be hard to push through. Try and adjust your schedule to the light, starting and finishing earlier if you can. Working into the evening might be achievable during summer, but winter is a different story. Be realistic about your studying patterns.
Similarly, if you are someone who always thrives studying at night, that’s fine too! Just make sure you spend some time outside during daylight hours, so you don’t feel like you’re living in permanent darkness.
Stay social, even when you don’t feel like it
It can be tempting to go into hermit mode during the winter, but staying social can genuinely boost your mood, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment. Try and say yes to plans, even if the weather is putting you off.
However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take time for yourself. Cozy nights in are equally as important during these next few months. Just don’t let the cold be the sole reason you avoid plans.
Most importantly, ‘staying social’ doesn’t have to mean going out! Host a movie night, cook dinner or have a games evening in the warmth. It’s all about adjusting rather than avoiding.
Romanticise winter
It’s easy to be dread these cold months, but shifting your perspective and seeing the beauty in them can make a huge difference.
Try and plan some winter-specific activities to make the season feel special. Visit the Manchester Christmas Markets, go ice-skating, or re-decorate your room with ultimate cozy vibes.
My personal favourite thing to do at this time of year is to dress up warm, grab a hot drink and go on a winter walk. Although I hate the cold, there is something aesthetic about this experience that makes me forget about my frozen hands.
My recommendation is Dunham Massey. It makes for the perfect winter stroll, where, if you’re lucky enough, you’ll even catch sight of some deer in the frozen woodland.
Re-framing winter as something magical rather than miserable can truly transform your whole mindset. With the right outlook and a few simple essentials, winter in Manchester doesn’t have to be something you simply just ‘get through’. It can actually become one of the most memorable parts of your uni experience!
Ultimately, my best piece of advice is to simply embrace it. Try not to compare your uni experience in summer to your uni experience now. Be optimistic about the changes that come with the new season, and remember this won’t last forever. Spring will come soon enough, but, until then, it’s time to make winter yours