Temperatures Are Dropping: Are You Ready for Colder Weather?

As we transition from fall to winter and the temperatures continue to drop, do you know where to score some gear for colder and wetter weather?

For the rainy days on campus, communal umbrella bins can be found in the doorways of several buildings on campus. Students can take an umbrella, walk it to the next building, and leave it there for someone else’s use.

Once the rain turns to snow and ice, the Recreation Office has a selection of winter sports equipment available for rental. They offer a variety of items such as sleds, snowshoes, and sports gear at discounted prices for students and faculty. For an exhaustive list of rental gear and prices, visit WSUV’s Outdoor Recreation and Rentals website page. Orders can be placed online, but gear must be picked up in person.

To beat the cold with a warm drink, the Cougar Food Pantry has hot tea, water, and single serving hot cocoa mix available to all students, free of charge. If you’re looking for a boost of caffeine, the Canteen Micro Market has hot coffee for $1.50 each, and the Bluum Coffee Truck is on campus on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stores and organizations around Vancouver have also begun preparing for colder weather. Local Goodwill locations have brought out their catalog of warm clothing at rotating discounted prices, and The Giving Closet—a non-profit organization—offers free clothing for all ages. Services for permanently housed families and individuals are by appointment only, but transitionally housed or unhoused individuals are welcome to stop by to receive services on Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.