WINTER SURVIVAL

In this section, you will learn:

• What winter on Vancouver Island is really like (rain, wind, damp cold)

• What to wear and pack to stay warm and dry

• How to handle the early darkness and stay motivated

What winters are REALLY like here: 🥶❄️

• Not super snowy, but VERY rainy

• Constant humidity

• Damp cold that sticks to your clothes

• Windy days that hit harder than expected

• A lot of grey skies

So even if the temperature doesn’t look scary, it can still feel freezing if you’re not dressed right.

Time change reality (yes, this is real) ⏰🌙

You’ll probably experience the daylight saving change around late October / early November. Suddenly, the mornings feel longer… but evenings get MUCH shorter.

That means:

• After school, it can be dark within an hour

• Days feel shorter

• Motivation can drop a little

Especially during weekdays, social life slows down a lot. Most students don’t do much after school in winter, maybe just chill, rest, or hang out on Fridays.

And honestly? That’s okay. This phase lasts for a while.

The good news: Spring is your reward 🌸

After March Break, everything slowly starts to shift:

• Days get longer

• The sun comes back

• Flowers start blooming

• The cold softens

• Your mood lifts too

By April, May and June? These are THE BEST months. More energy, more plans, more outdoor memories, more life 

This is when your exchange really starts to feel like a movie.

What to wear in winter:

• Waterproof rain jacket

• Non-slip, waterproof shoes

• Layered outfits (thermal + hoodie + jacket)

• Warm socks

• Beanie & gloves on colder days

Staying dry is just as important as staying warm.

Real talk: 🗣️

Winter here isn’t about being aesthetic, it's about staying comfortable.And how comfortable you are directly affects how you feel.

So be kind to yourself.Low energy days are normal.You’re not doing anything wrong 

Survival tip:💡

Winter isn’t the enemy.It’s just a phase of the experience and it makes the brighter months feel even more special.😉