With the amazing weather over the past couple of weeks it would be easy to forget that it is nearing the end of September. Even though the temperature reached 32 degrees last week, the leaves are turning brown, the days are drawing in and the temperature is falling sharply. As a great man once said, ‘Winter is Coming’.

For those international students that hail from sunnier climates this may be your first ever ‘proper winter’. But never fear, I have over 20 years’ experience of cold winters and shockingly bad weather so I can help you cope!

First, don’t despair too much. We still have autumn, although in the Netherlands this is often defined by rain and wind there are still some beautifully crisp autumnal days. I would thoroughly recommend getting outside as much as possible on these days and top up that serotonin to get you through the darkest of mid-winter morning. Also, nothing gives you as much childlike glee as crunching your way through golden-hued piles of crispy fallen leaves. Another lovely, and slightly creepy, thing to do during your walk: take a sneak peek at some Dutch interior design. As the evenings get darker the Dutch keep their interior lights on and seem to not have curtains, turning every street into a real-life Pinterest. I hope this is not illegal but in my defence, Dutch homes look like the pages of ELLE Decoration.

Second, you live in the Netherlands now so these are two indisputable facts you must face;
1. It is going to rain, a lot.
2. You are still going to be expected to cycle when said rain is pouring from the heavens.

Sure you could take a bus but that will give you minus Dutch points. As we all know Dutch people learn to cycle before they can walk (this may not be a scientific fact), so when it rains they just grab an umbrella and cycle into the downpour. However, for the foreigner and mere mortal this is not the simplest of tasks. So, invest in a good waterproof jacket, and even waterproof trousers and don’t let that rain turn you into a hermit.

Lastly, when the weather is just too wet or cold to even consider leaving the house (sorry to scare you but this is definitely going to happen at least a couple of days this winter) it’s time to get all gezellig. Light some candles, get a cosy blanket and ‘borrow’ someone’s Netflix password. For some tips on how to take this cosiness to the next level we need to look to our Scandi pals in the North. The Danish concept of hygge involves, amongst other things, friends, hot chocolate, a good book and woollen socks. Hygge is apparently the reason why Denmark is often voted the happiest country in the world, even with sub-zero winters. So savour those last few days of sun and warmth but don’t be too sad, as winter brings its own joys.

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