As international students arrive at Durham College, adapting to the biting Canadian winter becomes a defining challenge.
For many, transitioning from warm climates to snow-laden streets requires not just physical preparation but also mental resilience. Advisers and students alike emphasize the importance of preparation, community and resourcefulness in navigating this drastic seasonal shift.
Sarah Edwards, an international student adviser at Durham College, notes that clothing is the first hurdle.
“Students from warmer countries often don’t have the necessary winter gear when they arrive,” she explains.
“Layering properly is key—long johns, sweaters, scarves, hats and warm boots are essential to staying comfortable. It’s about dressing smartly for the weather.”
Edwards adds that over-layering indoors can leave students colder when they step outside, a common mistake among newcomers.
Sameer Ali, a first-year Psychology student from India, echoes this sentiment. “I began preparing for the cold weather as soon as I arrived in August,” he shares.
“Even fall felt chilly compared to home. Spending time outdoors daily helped me acclimatize gradually. It’s also important to invest in good winter clothing—compromising on jackets or shoes can lead to serious issues.”
Beyond clothing, international students face the psychological effects of winter. Short daylight hours and prolonged darkness can dampen spirits, a phenomenon Edwards acknowledges.
“Seasonal Affective Disorder is real, and the early sunsets at 4:30 p.m. can affect mental well-being,” she says.
To support students, Durham College offers an International Student Wellness Check at the Health and Wellness Centre, where advisers assess both physical and mental health.
Ali recalls his first snowy day vividly.
“The snow blowing in my face and the wind chill were completely new sensations. It was uncomfortable at first, but I learned to deal with it. There are days when waiting for a bus in the cold feels daunting, but I remind myself that this is all part of the experience of being in a new place.”
For many students, embracing Canadian winter involves more than personal adjustments—it’s about community and staying active.
Edwards encourages students to avoid isolation, especially those living in basement apartments.
“Get out, meet people, and participate in campus activities,” she advises. The college library’s cosy fireplace room and events organized by the Durham College Students’ Association offer opportunities for socializing and staying engaged during the colder months.
Resources like YouTube tutorials on surviving Canadian winters and workshops such as forest bathing, offered through the campus Wellness Pod, provide additional support.
“Students can also find solace in the fact that even lifelong Canadians struggle with winter,” Edwards says with a laugh. “But we embrace it, knowing it’s only a few months, and look forward to spring when we can spend time outdoors again.”
Ali carries a similarly positive outlook. “Winter has its difficulties, but it’s also a unique part of life here. With time, you adapt, and it becomes the new normal. It’s important to have a positive attitude and see it as part of the adventure.”
As the temperature dips, Durham College ensures its international students are equipped with the tools, advice and community support to thrive, making the icy transition a shared journey of resilience and growth.