It’s cold today! After a long, warm autumn, winter has suddenly hit Sydney. The temperatures don’t look too bad in theory, but a Sydney 15°C is much colder than the same temperature in other parts of the world.
So, if you’re new to Sydney, what can you do to stay warm through the next few months? Here are a few ideas:
- Dress appropriately. If you have 8am lectures, or are out late at night, a coat, scarf and winter hat are all worthwhile investments. You’ll find that many indoors spaces are heated, so you’ll want to have layers on underneath your coat. Thin jumpers and jackets, even singlets, are all a good idea. Check out Big W or Target for a range of inexpensive clothing. If you’re really freezing, the outdoors stores at the top of the Mac Centre will sell you thermal underwear!
- Keep your feet warm. Thick socks go a long way on a cold day. If you’re cold at night, a thick pair of bedsocks makes a huge difference. And for wandering around college, try a pair of Ugg Boots, made with either real or fake sheepskin – they’re an Australian specialty and great in the cold weather.
- Make sure your heater is working. If the heater in your room doesn’t seem to be doing its job, report it in the RMC maintenance app. We’ll check it out, and fix or replace it if needed.
- Still cold? Blankets are your friend. Buy cheap polarfleece blankets in the supermarket or at one of the big stores (Big W or Target both stock them). Or invest in wool if you can afford it – it’s better for the environment.
- Hot water bottles are brilliant in cold weather. You can get one for less than $10 from Target or the supermarket. Fill them with boiling water from the kettle in the kitchen, and they’ll keep you warm for hours. Great for putting on your lap while you study, taking to bed, or wrapping your clothes in first thing (nice hot clothes to put on in the morning!).
- This is the weather for hot drinks, so grab some hot chocolate, coffee or tea for a quick warm up.
Winter is short in Sydney, and before you know it, spring will be here. But in the meantime, stay warm!