The Graduate School

The Graduate School's Winter Survival Guide

The graduate student body is one of the most diverse communities on our university campus. We have students from all corners of the United States as well as representatives from over 40 countries. For many, a North Dakota winter is a new experience and can be quite a shock to the system. Some of our new students have asked for some useful tips to surviving winter in their new environment. This page provides links for health, vehicle safety, clothing and even recreation activities. Email us your tip, and we might just add it to our page!

Vehicle Preparedness The National Safety Council has created a great checklist to ensure you and your vehicle are equipped for the unexpected. In very cold temperatures, vehicles often will be difficult to start. Some buildings offer "plug-ins" for vehicles that help to prevent this, but you will need to ensure your car is equipped with a "plug". Parking in a garage will also help. To avoid damaging your engine, make sure you allow your vehicle to warm up before driving.	Click here
Staying Healthy For more information, visit the Student Health Services Web site or click on our link to H1N1.	H1N1
Winter Weather Safety In the case of emergency, such as a blizzard or flood, the University notifies all students, staff and faculty. Make sure you register a phone number so that you can be notified of any emergency. UND has recently launched an emergency preparedness web page that you can find here. It includes a list of emergency phone number and alerts. Although uncommon in our region, blizzards do occur from time to time. A blizzard is a severe winter storm with strong winds combined with snow resulting in poor visibility and very cold temperatures. Here are some rules! Do NOT go out in a blizzard. Have some food and basic supplies in your home that will last you for at least a couple of days. Tune in to the local weather services for updates
Winter Weather Reports Local Media will provide weather alerts in the event of poor conditions. Some of these media outlets include: Local Television Stations WDAZ - Channel 8 Cable Channel 3 Local Radio Stations 90.7 FM - Public Radio 92.9 FM - Top 40 94.7 FM - Country Online National Weather Service For alerts, phone numbers, road reports and more, visit UND's Emergency Preparedness Web page
Clothing Some helpful tips on how to dress and where to buy essential items. What to wear and where to find it.
Public Transport The Cities Area Transit operates year-round from Monday to Saturday. If you don't have a car, consider using the bus to get around the city. Be aware that the service does not operate on Sundays or some holidays, so make sure you see the "Days of Service" on the route maps. Click here to see the route and schedule.
Getting out and about Can't beat it? Join it! Try a new winter activity or find warm places to beat the winter cold. Embrace the weather!
Readers Tips Communication Graduate Student and Grand Forks Native, Rich McFarlane shared this great tip: " Stay active to fight off the winter blues... even if you're not the working out type of person, go to the Wellness Center, Hyslop, Columbia Mall, or any other indoor place and walk briskly as much as you can. Hopefully, you'll find your winter blues go away, and you'll be a little more cheerful." Here's what some of our staff have to say... "I love Grand Forks because it is a warm and friendly community. My winter advice: get a cat and a fireplace", Linda Baeza-Porter, Director of Admissions and Assistance "I love the bright winter nights and quiet winter mornings", Matt Anderson, Recruitment "My best advice for winter is to get outside and enjoy the silence that only winter offers", Joey Benoit, Dean "Embrace the winter, there are a lot f fun things to do. You're never too old to go sledding!", Staci Wells, Admissions Specialist "My best advice for winter is to keep a positive attitude, because this too shall pass!", Debbie Ford, Admissions Clerk

Grand Forks, ND