During Christmas and New Year break is a rare opportunity to study abroad. It is important to plan your travel in advance in December, the time for Christmas Break. This blog provides practical travel tips and advice for students going to the colder countries during the Winter. Talk to our Expert Advisors at ESPI Consultants or talk to students’ helpline at your university if you need any help or advice.
- You’ve on the go for the university life but the Christmas break is about to begin.
- Time is short before the Winter Session, you are in a rush to finish assignments and start joint courses.
- This blog will dish out lots of helpful information on travel in December and also on planning with your housing.
For International Students: A Survival Handbook for the Canadian Winter!
- Canada is a much-loved study abroad destination for international students (especially from India) from around the world, on account of its lofty academic standards, prudent cost of living, and lively culture.
- Canadian colleges are recognized all over the world and offer a broad range of programmes in a variety of subject areas.
- The country is prominent for its stunning natural beauty, which is covered in pure white snow during the winter.
- This guide is for international students wishing to Study in Canada and other countries that experience extreme cold during the winter months.
Difficulties for International Students in the Canadian winter:
International Students in Canada run into a multiplicity of difficulties:
- Survive the Canadian winters as the temperature regularly drops beneath zero.
- Adjusting to the Extreme indoor and outdoor temperature variations, from 20 °C to -10°C.
- The accurate winter clothing is fundamental for surviving the bone chilling Canadian cold.
- Lack of adequate Knowledge about Course Syllabus, Study Durations, Working Rights and others, leads to stress and high dropout rates.
How to prepare for your first winter in Canada:
Canada is called as ‘the great white north’. There is a good rationale for this; the winters are leaden with heavy snow and are icy cold. Temperatures at most places regularly drop to as low as -30 or -40 degrees Celsius. In spite of this, the life goes on as natural even in acute weather conditions. Being will prepared is the “key” as well as an attitude of enjoying the cold climate one needs to embrace winter activities to make the most of the cold weather.
Familiarize with Canadian winters.
With the arrival of wintry weather in cold countries like the UK and Canada, get to increasingly hear expressions like wind chill, frostbite, frostbit or hypothermia. What do these mean? Understand them to be able to take preventive actions to shield you.
Read More, Why May Intake Is Better For UK Admissions?
What are the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere?
The winter months are normally December, January, and February. Though, the winter conditions can start in November and last throughout late March or even early April, adding to five to six months of chilly weather.
What is the temperature like for the winters in up North?
The Canadian winters are bitter cold with temperatures below or around zero degrees Celsius, and tend to linger between -5 and -15 degrees Celsius. In rare cases it gets below -20 or -30 degrees Celsius. Heavy snow is frequent in November and December.
Get Up to Date reports on the Weather conditions with a reliable weather app:
The weather in Canada is at times volatile and from time to time fluctuates all through the day. Make sure to download a weather app and check weather forecasts daily to be able to plan your schedule for the day and wear the appropriate attire. The ‘Environment Canada’s’ weather app, WeatherCAN, provides the up-to-the-minute forecast from Canada’s authorized weather source; is a free download for iOS and Android.
Considering Seriously the Wind Chill
The wind chill is a significant factor when bearing in mind real temperatures. Wind chill is frequently accountable for the temperatures feeling lower than what is seen on the weather app. For example, the weather app may -20 degrees Celsius, but it will also indicate that it “feels like” -30 degrees Celsius. Bear in mind that a brutal wind chill can cause frostbite on exposed skin.
What is frostbite?
Frostbite occurs on long term exposure of skin to extreme cold/frigid weather and it freezes akin to ice. Merely 30 seconds of exposure can cause frostbite. The most affected areas are the hands, feet, nose, ears and face. Other contributing factors to frostbite are a high wind chill factor, wet clothing, ingestion of alcohol or drugs, and high altitudes. Areas afflicted by frostbite will look pale grey or white and have a waxy texture. There could be numbness or localized pain, as well as swelling and blistering. Be sure not to rub or massage the affected area, and don’t expose your skin to direct heat.
Frostbite is a very grim state, affecting the skin and underlying tissue, together with muscle and bone. Seek medical attention as soon as feasible as bad cases can lead to amputation too. Ensure that you avoid frostbite by having warm clothing, gloves or mittens, footwear, and not leaving any skin open to the elements of the extreme cold.
Frostnip is a less severe version of the frostbite and one is affected by it when skiing or snowboarding, and most repeatedly affected parts are the cheeks and the tip of the nose. The symptoms are a soft yellowish or white skin and cause a throbbing tingling or burning sensation. It is advisable to use the warmness of your hand for instant respite.
What is hypothermia?
When your core body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius, Hypothermia occurs. That is why it is essential to wear thermals and bundle up when spending time outdoors. Symptoms of hypothermia comprise trembling, incoherent speech, weird behaviour, confusion, disorientation, muscle cramps, cold and pale skin. The best course of treatment is to warm up as soon as possible.
Tip: Keep away from waiting for a extended time at bus stops or subway stations when it’s cold or dark outside. Download a transit app and use it to find out when the next bus or train is arriving.
How to get ready for the Canadian winter
Canada is a enormous country, and weather conditions differ from the west coast to the east coast. Winter on the west coast is milder and rainy in contrast to the east coast. And progressing towards the north renders more arctic-like conditions. Though, discern that as long as you have your wardrobe, home, and car ready for winter, you’ll be just fine.
How to set up your home for winter
Winters in Canada can be vicious and ruthless. With the current pandemic, many people will be spending a lot of time at home. A pre-winter check-up and preparing your home for winter will ensure you stay warm and safe.
10 tips to help you get ready your home for winter
- Indoor heating can be a basis for the air to become very dry, leading to minor nosebleeds. A home replete with a humidifier can assist avoiding it.
- Seal any cracks or gaps in windows and doors by caulking or weather-stripping. Double check missing shingles and flashing and if needed replace them.
- Bleed dry all outdoor hoses, sprinkler systems, cap taps, and eaves troughs prior to the beginning of below zero degree Celsius weather.
- Ensure the attic is insulated – this is useful in trapping heat inside the house.
- Conceal the patio and garden furniture, or store it away.
- Have a flashlight and lamp with extra batteries ready along with lots of candles in the event of power outages.
- Spruce any outsized tree branches to avoid any damage to the structure mid winter.
- Scrutinize the chimney, and clean the furnace and make sure it is in operational order – this is not only important for optimal performance, but also prevents carbon monoxide leaks or other issues.
- Change the air filters on a regular basis and have the vents and ducts cleaned. Ensure that your property and surrounding areas such as stairs, walkways and driveways are clear and reasonably safe for people who use them. Use a snow shovel and road salt to clear any snow from your drive, pathways or sidewalks to prevent slipping.
