First Winter in Syracuse a Chilling Experience

Students walk across campus during winter weather.+

College offers a variety of new experiences for young people—including winter.

“It’s my first real winter of any kind,” according to Newhouse student Dominique Pineiro. “And it’s here in Central New York.”

Pineiro is originally from San Diego (daytime highs this week will be in the mid-70s there). He now lives in Atlanta, and says he didn’t even have warm winter boots or a thick enough jacket to keep him warm. He does now.

Syracuse is famous for its cold and snow, and so far this winter we’ve had our share of both. But for the second time this month, the SU campus is about to plunge into a deep freeze that campus safety officials say must be taken seriously. The National Weather Service is calling for daytime temperatures to not climb out of the single digits, and overnight lows below zero.

While bitter cold is not unusual during wintertime in Central New York, it is unique for students like Pineiro and others from warm weather climates.

At SU, weather conditions are monitored on a regular basis, and a campus-wide email is being distributed to warn students, faculty and staff about the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia, both of which can happen quickly when the weather turns bitterly cold.

“With the extreme cold weather, it takes only minutes for frostbite to set in on exposed skin,” says Ben Domingo, director of Health Services. “It’s important to cover up, but also to wear loose-fitting clothing, which will insulate but not restrict circulation. Mittens or gloves are a must, as well as insulated shoes or boots with thick socks. Covering of the face and neck by a scarf is also recommended. You should also limit your time exposure to the elements.”

For students, that typically means making a quick walk between their residence hall and classroom, library, dining hall, Schine Student Center or one of the gyms. However, even with the cold, life goes on as usual on campus. People can still be seen out for a jog or riding a bike between classes. It’s simply a minor annoyance, as Pineiro puts it.

“This is what it’s all about,” he says. “I wanted to come to a good school, and this is a small price to pay.”