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As the temperatures start to drop, seasonal depression is beginning to creep up on some Syracuse University students. We’re all too familiar with the feet of snow, brutal winds and early darkness that accompany winter on campus. This fall, I’ve set a personal goal to get ahead of these feelings and change my perspective.

Whether it be on or off campus, getting accustomed to the low temperatures and decrease in campus activity early might be the remedy to wanting to stay inside alone all winter.

The city has lots to offer, especially beyond the Hill. During fall break, I tried to explore seasonal activities off campus to take advantage of nature before the snow starts to fall. I found it was the perfect stress relief to escape proximity to my academic worries and get in the spirit of the colder seasons.

I recommend visiting Skaneateles, going to Green Lakes, heading downtown or even checking out the hundreds of local events. There are super fun events that pop up near the city all the time if you keep your eyes peeled.

Going ice skating at the Tennity Ice Pavilion can be a great activity for cold weather, as it’s only a bus ride away and has free rentals. Sledding and building snowmen on campus are also great traditions.

All of these things can provide a shift in perspective away from the seasonal sadness of the colder months. Going outside and creating memories with friends can allow you to get out of the bubble that we so frequently find ourselves trapped in.

I went to the LaFayette Apple Festival last weekend, and I realized how even little activities allow you to connect with new people, or grow bonds with those you’re already close with. When everyone gets to experience something new and fun together, it feels like a breath of fresh air.

[pull quote= “Going off campus or even just getting out of your room for some fresh air and new scenery is a great way to escape the daunting mindset of seasonal depression.” cite = “Drew Zundell, Columnist”]

Simply exploring and embracing changes in the environment is a great way to reset. As students, we often fall into the same routine day in and day out. It’s even easier to do so when the cold weather forces us to gravitate to our beds and self-isolate.

Going off campus or even just getting out of your room for some fresh air and new scenery is a great way to escape the daunting mindset of seasonal depression.

If we just bunker down and stay on campus just because it’s cold out, we negate some of what our college experience can be. We have a finite time at SU, and it would be a disservice to yourself to just sit at home when the weather gets cold.
I see the wintertime as an opportunity to maximize our time on the campus we’ve chosen. The weather provides an opportunity that few schools offer, and capitalizing on this enriches your college experience.

Seeing new things, or even just leaving a place where you feel comfortable, can really freshen things up. The natural hills of Syracuse lend to a beautiful winter wonderland, and have great hills to make the most of.

The best way to get ahead of seasonal depression this year is to explore and choose to make the most of every day. Mixing things up and doing things that seem uncomfortable might be the perfect recipe to provide you with the spark you need to keep going.

Drew Zundell is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. He can be reached at djzundel@syr.edu.

Published on October 15, 2025 at 9:29 pm