Ski Season Starts in November
Most of the ski resorts in Colorado open in November and close sometime in April. If you're excited about attending a Colorado school, you'll have plenty of opportunities to hit the slopes between classes. Because the season dies down before finals, you won't feel tempted to blow off study sessions.
Storing your ski equipment can prove challenging in a Colorado dorm. Use vertical space to take full advantage of available real estate. Consider hanging your skis and poles on the wall, for instance, and using a clothing organizer that hangs on the back of your door for boots, hats, gloves, and other necessities.
Bring Lots of Layers
Colorado winters get cold, so you'll want layered clothing to keep you comfortable. As you walk from your dorm room to your first class of the day, wear a heavy coat over your shirt and sweater or sweatshirt. That way, you can remove a couple of layers so you don't sweat through class.
Embrace Communal Bathrooms
Many Colorado universities have communal bathrooms in their dorms. You might share a bathroom with just your roommates or with a larger group of people. To make this experience less stressful, invest in a few essential supplies, such as a shower caddy and a pair of flip-flops.
Pack Wisely
You'll want to prepare in advance for dorm life in Colorado. Create a college checklist so you don't forget anything, and check off each item as you pack it. You might be tempted to bring your space heater in preparation for winter, but leave it at home unless your dorm rules allow it.
Anticipate Winter Fun
Dorm life in Colorado often revolves around the weather. After heavy snow, students might use dining hall trays as makeshift sleds or start snowball fights in front of the Student Union. Resist the urge to stay cooped up in your dorm room because of the cold. You'll miss out on the social aspects of college life in the process.
The more time you spend out and about, the more you'll acclimate to the cold wind and frequent snow. Instead of dwelling on the weather, focus on your academic progress and the social opportunities your Colorado school (and your dorm) offer.
Of course, skiing and other winter sports can help take the edge off the cold. If you haven't tried it yet, rent a set of skis and hit the slopes with a few of your pals. Once you experience the rush, you might never resent cold weather again.
Dorm life in Colorado is much like dorm life everywhere else. As long as you're prepared and stay focused, you'll have a great first semester at college, and you'll look forward to the next.
Image via Flickr by Matt Ryall
