New to Milwaukee... first real winter! (apartment, house, school)

[vdy1985]

Hi, I just moved to Milwaukee this past August from California for school. Now I was wondering if you guys could give me advice in terms of what the heck do I need for winter? I have never experienced a snowy winter in my life. Where I'm from the avg January high temp is ~60 degrees and the low is ~40. So I'm dreadfully unprepared. Let me know what I can do and what I can expect. Also, I don't have a car but live across the street from the grocery store and ~1mi from school. My roommate has a car so I can hitch a ride with him to school, but not all of the time because we don't always go to class together.

[Angorlee]

You can be warm as toast even when its 20 degrees below zero if you dress right. Get some good wool long johns, a good cap, mittens(not gloves), and a warm overcoat and you will do fine. Otherwise you will be miserable.

[#Littledog]

Warm, rugged boots, wool socks, hat, gloves, scarf. You'll stay warmest if you dress in layers, i.e, sweater, fleece, winter coat or parka. If you walk to classes, you'll definitely want to dress in layers. When you first start out, you'll be cold but then the brisk walk will get you heated up pretty quickly so you need to option of shedding layers. Sometimes the cold can be a drag but it will be good for studying. On the most blustery days, you will get so much studying done because you won't want to go outside. Good luck!

[Fishtacos]

The extremeties are most important, head/ears, hands and feet. Always make them a priority and you'll do fine.

The biggest thing isn't necessarily the very cold temps, it's the wind that goes with them at times making for some rough days.

And yeah have some boots for the snow or you'll likely wreck a good pair of shoes.

[Bud Dickman]

Get a warm jacket, hoodies, flannel, long sleeved shirts, socks, flannel pajama pants(I used those as long underwear as well).

[Eshea]

I would get chapstick and some kind of lotion because winter is VERY drying and you will be itchy. We also have a humidifier for really bad days/nights.

I would also get the kind of long underwear that "wicks". That way when you sweat the material keeps the moisture from you.

A good pair of sunglasses- the glare of new snow can be blinding!

You will need a sled and ice skates. A shovel and salt, so you don't slip and fall. A heating pad and Doans pills for when you do!

My husband loves the warm packs that you can microwave and put in your shoes or pockets.

I would get Vicks Vapor rub, chicken noodle soup and Hot chocolate - but you should get your fav comfort foods.

I use my crock pot in the winter A LOT. For stew, roasts, chicken breast, ribs... you can get a cheap cut of meat(student budget) and make it melt in your mouth....unless you don't eat meat. They are good for beans as well.

You may be inside for long periods of time. A Wii or playstation will help whittle away the short days and long nights. I also stock up on books to read. You and your roommate could start a marathon Monopoly game...

Winter here can be very harsh, but also very beautiful- get a camera and head down to the lake or park and you will get some great pictures.

[Angorlee]

Just to inform you---when you dress for outside temp and come indoors with the heat on you'll think you are in the sahara desert. So you'll take off as much as you can to cool off. Its just part of the whole winter experience. Oh, winter can be real cozy when your in your warm apartment reading a good book or talking with friends. But people tend to gain weight in winter also. So its a good idea to think about joining a health club or maybe getting into some winter sports. All in all winter takes more energy out of you but winter can be enjoyable also. I have to admit when spring finally comes its a great relief.

[mattyluv]

That lake effect snow can be beautiful from your living room window, Milwaukee is a pretty place to enjoy a snowy winter night, I miss it. As far as winter provisions, You're also gonna need some patience and a bag of weed, Because it's gonna last 'til friggin May 1st.

[karfar]

I agree w/matty...seriously. And layers....layers, layers, layers, you're going to sweat like a banshee when you get inside. Don't worry about winter, it's fine. It makes spring & summer all the better!

[almost3am]

When I lived in LA I was always outside active, but when I moved back teh first winter was loong, as I didn't plan ahead. I think you should make sure you have some kind of physical activity plan...like indoor basketball or volleyball, workouts at the gym, or something. For me it really helps make the winter seem less painfull. I can't stand being in my house all the time, so I like to find things we can do...