So I have Raynaud’s, a condition were my hands get really cold in cold weather and they turn white and get numb and painful. Usually it starts below 40 degrees and can get really bad if it’s protracted and I don’t get to heat or a sink in time.
So, I got accepted to Northwestern and I really want to go there, like really badly, but I’m worried about my hands and feet. So my question is mostly directed at any current Northwestern students. Will I be okay? I know I’ll be cold, but how often are you actually outside in the winter? Are all the buildings heated(dorms, classes, dining halls)? Are there sinks with warm water?
Yes, buildings are heated and sinks have warm water.
Northwestern is a great school and it would really be a shame if you were unable to attend. I think this is really a question for your doctor, who will be able to give you the most informed guidance and well as safe ways to handle cold weather. The Northwestern administration is usually generous in accommodating students with various medical conditions, and I would suggest speaking with them also.
This will probably sound like a stupid question, but would it be fine if you have on heavy duty gloves/socks? I mean, if you get gloves and socks meant for, say, Antarctica, wouldn’t you be fine?
That being said, yes it is quite cold. It has gotten to almost -20 without windchill, and it is below 40 for almost all of winter quarter, along with a bit of fall and spring quarter, most likely. Walks can be up to 15 minutes if you walk at a normal pace, and there aren’t a lot of shortcuts through buildings. If heavy duty gloves won’t do much, I would consult your doctor and the NU office of accessibility to see what you can do.
I have Raynaud’s too, but I get it significantly less often at NU than back home in Seattle. That’s probably because I dress myself warmer here, and wear adequate clothing. Get good enough winter gear, and you’ll be totally fine
Have you considered hand warmers such as HotHands? Out family uses these sometimes when the kids do sports on cold days. They run about 50 cents a pair when you buy in bulk but they work great! Also, consider your major when choosing a dorm. If you are engineering, for example, you definitely want to live north campus to minimize walking. I suggest calling the housing office to discuss the best options for your circumstances. And congratulations!
Northwestern is on the quarter system, and while it gets cold for some of the other quarters its only the winter quarter where its real cold most of the time. So u might check out if study abroad (in a warm place) or attending summer classes will allow u to minimize your winter quarter in Evanston misery.
