TheNemesis

Hello people!

I am from Singapore . A tropical country where there is sunshine all year long. The only chilly part would be the occasional downpour.

Am going to study in Purdue University for the Spring 2013 intake and it would be winter when I am there right?

Hence, any advice about winter clothing? Like what I do need? Throughout my life, I had never been to any country with a climate of below 15 degree Celsius. I don't want to be chilled to the bone and get sick.

A simple recommendation of to-buy-list will be great! There are so many kinds of jackets out there. A freshie like me should just get the 3-in-1 one?

Thanks!

b@r!um

You'll want all of the following:

- A good winter coat. Make sure it's water-resistant or waterproof and has plenty of insulation. Personally, I prefer down jackets. 3-in-1 type jackets will also work if they have sufficient insulation. Also consider how much of your legs you'd like covered by your coat. If you don't have warm pants, you might prefer a coat that extends down to your knees.

- A hat, scarf and gloves. You'd be surprised how much the hat and scarf matter. You can have a super-warm coat and still fell cold if your head is not protected.

- Waterproof snow boots or rain boots with a thick pair of socks (for insulation). Other shoes will get soaking wet in the snow. If you get snow boots, make sure they protect you in at least 8 inches (20 cm) of snow. You can also purchase "snow boots" that are just water-resistant sneakers, but you'd get snow into the top of your shoes with those.

I bet that Purdue's international student office has some good suggestions too. Have you asked them yet?

TheNemesis

Thanks! Unfortunately, Purdue hasn't contact me yet.

happymomof1

Don't wait for the international students office to contact you. Find their email information at the Purdue website, and send them your questions. It is possible that they don't even know yet that you are coming.

Descartesz

I think the best advice is to contact the international student office and see what they say.

It is difficult to advise you as you don't mention your gender nor how fashion-sensitive your are. In addition, you might not be aware that you will probably need several weights of coats/jackets for comfort in variable weather. (I know Singapore "average seasonal highs" vary about 2C, so be prepared for much more variety--40+C--as the seasons change in a continental climate.) It is almost certain to be sub-0C if you arrive in central Indiana in January with a good chance of being -15C, but as spring approaches outerware for deep winter gets too warm for early and late spring.

My advice would be to get a thick sweater and mid-weight jacket that you like along with a warm hat and pair of mittens or lined gloves and arrive wearing that. You will survive heathily for a few days in that no matter what the weather (be thankful for central heating.) Skip the boots for now, many students manage without them, but wear something sensible that covers the whole foot and is easy to walk in because ice and snow can be a problem. See what other people are wearing and what you are comfortable with and then go buy. By late January winterware will be on sale and you'll probably find some things you like at a value price.

TheNemesis

Thanks happymomof1 and philosophical Descartesz

I am a male and I prefer preppy stuff. Noted about your advice. Will email the international office now.

clamzo

Hey TheNemesis,

for cheap male preppy stuff check out Broverstock.us | Discounted apparel for college men.

Also Purdue should have similar weather to New England, so you can check out Broverstock.us | 5 Winter Essentials for New England Colleges. You can stay classy and save a few dollars. Enjoy your abroad experience!