My son is a NMF and will likely attend OU this Fall.
We are from Hawaii, where our winter clothing consists of hoodies, jeans, and covered shoes. Mind you that these items are brought out just a few days each winter season.
I am a huge “planner” and am making lists and lining up all the things he will need when we send him away.
I have no idea what type of winter clothing he will need. Jacket–what type is recommended? Thermal wear? Gloves, scarves, shoes? I know Oklahoma doesn’t typically have the conditions that is seen in the Northern states. I don’t want to buy unnecessary items but yet I’d like to make sure that he’s well equipped.
I appreciate any advice that you’d be able to share with me.
I’m from Southern California so I get not having appropriate winter weather.
I have a couple of wind and water resistant snow jackets (one down, the other synthetic) that I wear when the weather dips into the 30s and below. If it’s really cold, I typically wear a fleece jacket or hoodie underneath.
Thermal underwear would probably help for the few coldest, windiest days of the year, but I’ve never worn them.
Your son should have at least a couple of pairs of gloves. One pair for light cold (get ones that are touch screen compatible), and a thicker, water resistant pair with excellent insulation for the tip of the fingers. If your son plans on biking, these thicker gloves are almost mandatory.
He should also have at least one beanie, preferably one that can cover his ears. Since I bike to school and classes, I have a balaclava that I pull out when it’s a particularly cold, windy day. Most students however substitute this by putting their scarves around their necks, so a non-trivially thin scarf might also be a wise thing to ship over.
I’ve never found that I needed special shoes for Oklahoma winters. Generally I just put warm socks on under my canvas shoes and I’m fine. If it does snow or become icy, I just wear my normal socks and my water resistant, ankle high hiking boots.
Assuming you’re flying into Oklahoma City, you can go to Bass Pro Shop and pick up some of the gear. Not sure what they’ll have in stock during the summer, but it’s worth a try if you’ll already be renting a car. You can also buy the gear online and have it shipped over to him. Typically a hoodie will suffice until November, so you have plenty of time.
I grew up in much colder climates, but we live about 3 hours south of OU now. I have also live in Southern Nevada, so I get the warmer weather too.
Given the limited space in a dorm, you do not want to over-buy. Instead of thermal underwear, I would go for a multi-purpose option. A pair of long ‘pajama’ pants with a pair of loose fitting jeans will suffice for the few times it gets cold enough. Another option is flannel lined jeans. Layers are the best way to stay warm in cold weather. Another good option they have now is the under-armour style long-sleeved shirts. They are a good base layer when it is very cold. Put a regular t-shirt or sweatshirt (or both) over that and then a jacket or coat.
You can get many items online if you have his sizes. It can save money and you can order things closer to the season. No need for him to have to get a winter coat until around Thanksgiving break. There is also a Wal-Mart close by.
The only thing that I could add to the above excellent advice is that my D likes her rain boots. We do have days with a lot of rain and there can be a lot of puddles around campus that are difficult to avoid.