supportivemom1

So -- DS is heading to Brown this Fall from San Diego, and is starting to realize his shorts and flip-flops are not going to cut it in Providence. Any advice on coats, boots, etc. and where to buy them at a decent price? Some sources like Lands End provide temperature ratings for their jackets indicating they're good down to 20F, 5F, -15F or -40F (over a sweater) -- which ones would be appropriate? How important is it that he have a longer coat rather than a short jacket? And what kinds of footwear do guys wear there in the winter? Etc., etc., etc. Any advice would be appreciated.

Brown_or_Bust

While Providence is much colder than San Diego, temperatures below 0 (while not entirely uncommon), aren't the norm in the winter. For the most part, having a sweatshirt and a normal winter coat will do if he is walking from class to class (staying out to do random stuff would require a little more). I'm not a student, I just know new england weather, so idk about the second part.

underscore

Oh! I'm from San Diego and was accepted for this fall. While I don't have any first-hand experience, my plan is to buy a sweater or something to keep me warm until I can go shopping in Providence for nice winter clothes - probably a peacoat, those rubber boots, a raincoat, gloves and scarves. I'll probably ask someone who knows the weather to go shopping with me, too.

franglish

There is a pretty good mall within walking distance (but down-- and then up-- a big hill) of the campus. It will have all kinds of winter clothes, and you don't have to worry about that until October at the soonest. It will be very warm for quite a few weeks when you get there. Layers is a good idea. Warm jacket, maybe a down one, and definitely boots. Hat, gloves, scarf. Before the often freezing cold of the winter, though, is another new season for you-- fall. It is really beautiful! Enjoy!

supportivemom1

Thanks for the suggestions, all. Underscore, what school do you go to in San Diego? Were you at the SD Brown Alumni reception in Rancho Santa Fe a week ago? Maybe we met you there!

fireandrain

supportivemom: This question gets asked a lot in the parents forum and parent cafe, so you might find some helpful answers by using the search function. Many people say it's best to put off buying anything until students are on campus, and your kid can see what other kids are wearing. It will be very warm the first few weeks, and a sweatshirt and sweaters will be fine through mid-October.

While it doesn't get super cold (below zero), it is a damp cold and it can be windy. Layers are always good. I can't imagine boys wearing long coats, and I'll bet most of them wear sneakers throughout the winter. It doesn't start snowing until late November, early December -- after Thanksgiving -- and how much snow really varies (some winters there can be no snow, others there can be more). Usually the snow is of the slushy kind. Girls wear rain boots to deal with the rain; I doubt the boys do!

Oh .. congrats on selecting Brown! I'm sure your DS will love it!

wolfmanjack

What is a DS?

supportivemom1

DS = Dear son.

Puzzled88

I haven't been there in several years but remember that Providence Place was a great shopping mall. Probably way more winter clothes there than in San Diego.
Two of my D's went to school in the east from California. One thing we learned is that while he may need a coat, he'll probably wear the same stuff underneath it as he does at home. Lots of buildings are warm and stuffy on the inside. Usually you can't control the heat in a dorm room so kids have to open the windows to regulate the temperature.

underscore

I'm from Poway High, but I couldn't go to the reception - I had a competition that weekend. I'm disappointed! How was it?

supportivemom1

Underscore, maybe we should PM each other to continue this part of the discussion...

muddaof2

My son wears a pair of waterproof (Goretex) sneakers all winter long. He has not worn boots once in two winters at Brown. For clothing, layers are best, and non-cotton is best for winter and wet weather: high-tech fabrics, wool, polar fleece, etc. A warm jacket that is not bulky is best. You can find two-layer jackets that can be pulled apart. Years of raising boys in Vermont has proven this set-up to be ideal b/c they rarely wear the entire jacket. Just make sure it is water resistant and don't worry about the temp. rating. Make sure he has a couple of hats and gloves, as some will end up lost (buy inexpensive ones that water resistant).

As far as where to shop: REI, EMS (Eastern Mtn. Sports) - both of these are in RI, LLBean and Lands End. Also other stores that sell outdoorsy stuff. Remember they are not at school for a whole month+ of winter. And it rarely gets below the teens there.