<p>I'm from California, so not used to single and negative temperatures. What types of coats do you wear to keep you warm? I was thinking about a down that goes to the waist, but my parents say that won't be enough...</p>
<p>I grew up in Evanston, Illinois. Your mother is correct. Buy a regular, long length down filled coat with a hood. Also, buy a scarf and really good mittens (mittens keep you warmer than gloves). You will need a good pair of water proof boots. Northwestern is on the shore of Lake Michigan and it is very cold in the winter.</p>
<p>I would recommend any thick down coat with a large hood (to keep your head, cheeks and ears covered) that goes below your waist (it doesn't have to go down to your knees). Just enough to keep you warm. Midwest weather can be extremely cold (I lived in Illinois and currently live in Michigan!)</p>
<p>Get rain-proof or leather boots to walk in the snow and ice. It doesn't have to be designer shoes. Get anything that keeps your feet warm and provides good traction on ice. Ditto on gloves/mittens.</p>
<p>Buy some corduroy pants too because they keep your legs warmer than jeans.</p>
<p>I used to live in Canada and I think that a relatively thick ski jacket and a comfortable hat is enough. You should keep a pair of gloves handy but I didn't wear them much.</p>
<p>Yea I live in MN and it's colder than Chicago/Evnaston. I just wear a snowboard jacket or letter jacket and maybe a hat or just wear the hood. You will want to wear more than that because you are from Cali, so add on a scarf or neck gator, some mittens, and some boots. You will be fine, it's really not that bad.</p>
<p>Here's a tip, you can get a lot of really good cold weather stuff at the Sierra Trading Post, no CA Sales tax, reasonable shipping, and if you sign up for the emails, you'll get 20% coupons regularly. Its a lot better value than private school tuition. ;-) A decent jacket, some sweaters, enjoy college, and don't fret about the cold.</p>
<p>Men's</a> Jackets, Vests and Coats - Save 35-70% on Famous Name Brands</p>
<p>My D is a sophomore, and we are from California. A NU alum from California gave us advice that held up during last years record cold. They may prove helpful:
*NO UGGS-instead your boots should be water proof such as a good pair of after-ski boots. You want the traction-but you don;t have to get the big heavy clucker boot unless that is your preference.Try to avoid anything hanging from the top of the boot as that can get wet.
*Layers are important. North Face makes a good down coat-down to mid-calf. She also has a short winter down coat(to the waist). Hoods on the jacket really help-along with fun/colorful scarves. North Face outlet in Berkeley has a sale once a year in August if I remember correctly. She was able to get both jackets for what we had originally budgeted for the long down jacket.
*Wind breaker jackets, too. D got the Columbia jacket.
*Ear muffs-really helpful.
*She got both gloves and mittens(also North Face-essentially 2 for the price of one pair!). She used both-didn't seem to have a preference.
*Outside is cold-no doubt. But her room was nice and warm-so you don't have to buy lots of blankets.
I hope this helps-Congrats on getting into NU!</p>
<p>I'm in the same boat, Texas. :/ </p>
<p>I think I'll just go early and get my jackets there, we don't have anywhere to get warm enough coats here lol. It's in the 70s.</p>
<p>Mom knows best.
Get the absolute warmest clothing you can: full length down coat, scarves, mittens, sweaters, boots, etc.</p>
<p>Though it was expensive, I'm so glad i bought my North Face down coat, which goes to my knees. I don't think I'll need another winter jacket for many years and it really does keep me very warm. Fortunately, there is a North Face store in Evanston, so you can wait until you arrive on campus to get your coat.</p>