Some predict a mild winter this year, but students who have lived through Northwest Indiana

winters say even a mild one calls for bundling up to stay warm.

“Layers are your friend. Dress in enough layers to stay warm at the coldest part of the day because you can always remove some layers if you get hot,” said Elsa Marcotte, a first-year Biology major who has spent her entire life here.  “Also if you need to use your hands for anything, just wear gloves. It’s so worth it.”

Kiah Ferrington, a freshman majoring in Computer Science, seconded the importance of layering.

”Use thermals to add an extra layer when it’s just really cold out.” she said. 

Thermals are heat-trapping clothes, like long underwear.

Ferrington, who grew up in Pierceton, Indiana, about two hours southeast of Hammond, also advocated investing in good outerwear.

“A good coat is a necessity, especially if you can find one that the wind doesn’t go through because it’s the wind sometimes that’s the worst part,” she said.

Naomi Riley, a freshman Criminal Justice major from Hammond, suggests food to stay warm.

“Drink plenty of warm drinks, such as hot chocolate or coffee, [and] eat hot food,” she said. 

She also urged caution on streets and sidewalks.

“The roads here can get pretty slick and car accidents happen easily during the winter time around here,” she said. “Be cautious with driving on Route 41 south of 30, Interstate 65, and Interstate 94 east of Portage. … [and] “just walk carefully to avoid falling and breaking something.”