Frozen Firsts: How International Students Are Dealing With Winter

Tracy Wamarema wamarematwa@lakeforest.edu
JOUR 320 Writer

When Oswald Mugitswa ‘27 stepped outside after the season’s first snowfall, he was mesmerized. 

“I had never seen snow in real life before,” he said, stomping his boots into the icy ground to test its texture. “It felt like something out of a movie. But then I realized— it’s also painfully cold.”

For many international students at Lake Forest College, winter is more than just a season: it’s an entirely new experience. While some students from colder climates are familiar with snowy landscapes, others like Mugitswa who come from tropical regions are facing sub-zero temperatures for the first time. 

The Shock of Illinois Winters

The winter weather in Illinois is characterized by cold temperatures, heavy snowfall and cutting winds. January sees some of the coldest days, with temperatures averaging around 22°F (-5°C) but wind chills often push it even lower. In contrast, Mugitswa’s hometown in Harare, Zimbabwe experiences an average January temperature of 77°F (25°C) making the shift nearly unimaginable. 

“The wind blows and burns,” said Irene Luwabelwa ‘25 describing how the icy winds are often worse than the snow itself. 

For students from countries like Kenya, India or Brazil—where winter rarely drops below 50°F (10°C)—adjusting to Illinois’ deep freeze can be shocking. Sophomore Noah Nzisabira, who spent his winter break in South Africa, understands the stark contrast all too well. When international freshmen asked him what they should wear in such extreme temperatures, Nzisabira responded candidly, “Everything you have.” 

Myths and Misconceptions About Winter

Many international students say they come with preconceived notions about winter, often shaped by movies or social media. 

“I thought it meant no school,” Mugitswa said.  “Everyone’s either inside or outside building snowmen.”

Common myths debunked by first-time winter warriors include:

• “Snow is harmless.” While picturesque, fresh snow quickly turns into slush, ice or even hazardous black ice.
• “Gloves are enough to keep warm.” Mittens, which keep fingers together for warmth, are actually better for the cold.
• “Winter sunsets are the same as usual.” The early darkness—sometimes as early as 4 p.m.—catches many students off guard, disrupting routines and moods.

How the College is Helping

As temperatures drop, staying informed becomes crucial. Earlier in the month, Dr. William King, the Director of Public Safety, issued a campus-wide email warning, “Winter weather has arrived in the Lake Forest area! It will bring frigid temperatures and freezing rain.” The alert coincided with the National Weather Service’s (NWS) Winter Weather Advisory for the region. For locals, this report meant dusting off heavy winter gear but for international students like Violet Wesley, it meant learning new terminology. 

“Freezing rain? I thought that’s what snow was,” Wesley  said, scrolling through the email.

The administration has taken various steps to assist international students in adapting to winter. The International Student Office and Student Government organize winter gear distributions ensuring students have essential items like coats, scarves and gloves. Durand Café offers free coffee and tea to help students stay warm. During extreme weather conditions, professors have moved classes online to prevent students from braving the harsh elements.

Survival Tips 

Those who have endured an Illinois winter before emphasize the importance of preparation and mindset. Layering up with thermal wear, a good winter coat, waterproof boots and wool socks is essential. Protecting skin from the dry air by moisturizing regularly and using lip balm prevents discomfort. 

After a year at the college, Nzisabira still falls victim to the icy sidewalks which make it very easy to slip and fall. The recommended solution  is investing in boots with good traction and walking slowly. This might mean leaving the residence halls even twenty minutes earlier to avoid rushing to classes. 

Finally, finding ways to embrace the season—whether through ice skating, sledding or simply appreciating a snow-covered campus—can make winter more enjoyable. With the right support and mindset, students have found that even the coldest winter can become a winter wonderland.