While Colgate University students have returned to campus for the spring semester, they must exercise quite a bit of patience before they get to bask in the sunnier weather of Hamilton. Even as Colgate’s HVAC systems work to maximize comfort, Raiders may still find themselves scouring their closets for methods to compensate for the varying temperatures they encounter.
First-year Kyle Yoon has been subject to the warmer spectrum of buildings on campus.
“I would say most of [the buildings] are pretty well heated, so the problem is that they are mostly too hot,” Yoon said.
Therefore, it can be challenging to piece together an appropriate outfit. Below is a guide on how to fashionably minimize temperature whiplash while enjoying Colgate’s various facilities for the remainder of winter.
For the Campus Foodies
Frank Dining Hall serves as an essential space to the student community, attracting flocks of ravenous visitors throughout the day. Students may have noticed the dining hall has gained a stuffier atmosphere than usual, due to the higher thermostat temperature and concentrated amount of body heat in the building. Opt for lightweight denim pants, a hoodie and a thin cotton shirt underneath to maximize breathability. If you are feeling especially fancy, try investing in a portable neck fan. Often resembling headphones, it offers a subtle, heat-regulating accessory to your look and can be saved for the warmer months to come.
For the D1 Stars
A vital facility to the 23 varsity sports teams at Colgate, the William A. Reid Athletic Center is a location all student athletes inevitably visit throughout the week. First-year field hockey athlete Julia Blair treks down to the training room four to six days a week, dreading the blast of air conditioning after braving the snow on her hike down the hill.
“[I] definitely [would] take a sweatshirt down there,” Blair said.
In true Raider fashion, show off some school pride with a Colgate sports team parka on your way to your workout. For a warmer pump cover, choose a hoodie with a micro fleece lining to wear indoors.
For the Literature Buffs
Lathrop Hall, home to most of Colgate’s English classes, has also seemed to house an excessive amount of warmth this winter. Students may especially be prone to fanning their faces or rolling up their sleeves on the upper floors, due to the sweat from hiking up the stairs and rising hot air. Blair frequented the third floor last semester as part of her FSEM.
“I had my Conversations class in there, and it was always really toasty. Wearing layers was super important,” Blair said.
To stay true to the English major aesthetic, throw on a white short-sleeve collared shirt with a classic V-neck sweater vest. Stride to class with a large button-down coat to fight the outdoor chill, shedding the coat and vest as needed inside the classroom.
For the Commons Dwellers
Underclassmen are often trapped in inconvenient circumstances when it comes to mitigating intense temperatures in their dorms, especially if they are one of the few unlucky residents who do not have access to a thermostat. First-year Maggie O’Leary has found herself in this situation many times.
“I can’t sleep too well at night because it’s too hot in [my dorm],” O’Leary said.
Yoon has faced the same predicament.
“[My roommate and I] will open the windows to help cool it down, but then it gets too cold if we leave them open for too long,” Yoon said.
If opening your window is necessary, protect yourself against the incoming chilly air with a wearable throw fleece. The soft material is also appropriate for cozy movie nights and restorative naps between classes.
If the freezing weather or extreme thermostat settings still interfere with your comfort, try not to despair. Sunnier days are just around the corner.
