Let’s Dress Up!Purdue Student Wardrobe Survival

Guide

Many students are unfamiliar with Indiana weather, including myself. Once I arrived at Purdue, I immediately realized within the first week how quickly the weather varies day to day. This can turn to disaster for some students, who are not used to harsh condi-tions. One day, I heard there would be a big storm, so I dressed up in rain boots, a windbreaker, and an umbrella. It turned out to be extremely sunny with only a little driz-zly for a few minutes. Another day, I wore a dress and was not carrying an umbrella. Ironically, it began pouring. That is when I had to learn to dress appropriately for any weather or activity possible.

Rain or Shine: Be Prepared!

Since my story started off with being in a rain storm without proper shoes, I decided I must invest in good quality protec-tion. Rain boots are very protective in harsh conditions, including snow. It prevents clothes from becoming soggy at the bottom, while also keeping your feet dry. These come in handy whenever walking on campus, avoiding mishaps in ward-robe, and preventing illness.

“These boots were made for walking!”

Whenever the weather is nice, many students like to study outdoors. This gives a new atmo-sphere which can be peaceful and help productivity. During warm weather, students can enjoy shorts, blouses, sandals, and other summertime wear. Some students are used to the drastic changes in weather here in Indiana. Therefore, whenever we have a sunny day here or there, students are still prepared for rain or cold weather. As a student, I have learned to enjoy those beautiful days! Students and I appreciate the warmer weather and opt for less layers and more freedom.

Study While It Is Still Sunny!

• Aside from classes, many students endure physical activity. Since physical activity can relieve the stress, it is strongly encouraged, especially with the REC center quite close to the dorms. However, students must also dress appropriately to obtain full potential of their workout. If not, injury may occur. This may include proper shoes, running shorts, hair pulled back, among other procedures. Purdue’s campus also provides beautiful landscapes for students to enjoy while working out outside. Also, since weather is a huge factor of living in this area, proper workout clothing must be comfortable for the student.

Time to Work Out!

Many of Purdue students have usually lived in different parts of the world. With so many di-verse students, the winter weather patterns of Indiana are not always the same in other places. Also, coming from high school, some students, like myself, usually spent their school days in doors, not outside. College is the complete opposite seeing how students are expect-ed to transport themselves to and from class in the winter days. The basic winter survival gear includes scarves, gloves, woven hats, and layered clothing.

Winter Gear

A part of getting the college experience, many students participate in formal events. For ladies, this includes a formal or semi-formal dress, heels, jewelry, and a fresh face. I have learned here at Purdue that first impressions are important, especially when interviewing for jobs or internships. This also includes your appearance. An impor-tant lesson is to always dress to impress when it comes to competing against others for certain positions because it can always give the candidate a more professional outlook.

Dress to Impress!

Students’ activities also include going out with friends. Many people like to get dressed up and spend time outside, on campus, or other mingling activities. Attire for weekend events is usually different from that of the school day. Students are more creative, daring, and just like to have fun with their clothes.

It’s finally the weekend!

At the end of the day, students, including me, just want to succeed. So much pressure is put on college stu-dents that sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves. By simply dressing for the occasion, students can feel comfort and confidence in any activity they participate in. This is one of the biggest lessons I have learned while here at Purdue University.

Woohoo! Got an A on my exam!