As Americans residing from the Midwest to the Northeast have experienced a taste of the Arctic from the ‘Polar Vortex,’ it is essential for University of Massachusetts students to acquire some tips on how to survive these hazardous temperatures.

The ‘Polar Vortex’is a seasonal atmospheric phenomenon that brings cold air from the North Pole down south, bringing frigid weather to relatively warmer areas.

Temperature dipping far below freezing has resulted in 21 reported weather-related deaths across the areas affected by the Polar Vortex, and entire cities, such as Chicago, have faced city-wide shutdowns and closings due to the weather.

Even Amherst is having their fair share of the frigid air.

“As I walked to my morning class wearing my large eskimo jacket that reached down to my knees I thought it would have been enough,” said Oliver Arukwe, a UMass freshman chemical engineering major, “but I suffered immensely.”

“It felt like my hands were going to fall off,” he added.

Despite the dropping temperatures later on in the day, it becomes a common trend for party-goers to leave their dorms and head to a party unprepared.

Jasmine Manoo, a freshman sociology major, explained how unlike herself, some students are not so prepared for this weather, especially during nights out partying.

“When I go to parties, I make sure to bring my jacket and ensure I have a ride so I am not waiting outside in the cold,” Manoo said. “I see a lot of people, though, who do not prepare for the cold. They wear skirts, are clearly shivering and not prepared for this weather.”

With fliers posted around the residential halls warning of the cold weather, residential assistants putting in their effort to help keep the community safe.

Nikhil Sarecha, a sophomore computer engineering major and a residential assistant in Leach Hall in Northeast Residential Area, gave some tips on how to be well prepared for the weather.

“As RAs, we send out emails with general warnings such as ‘don’t step out unnecessarily’ and ‘plan your trips to dining halls,’” Sarecha said. “I would also advise to keep windows closed and stock up on food.”

Students were advised not to open windows for the sake of keeping the rooms at the optimal temperatures. If it were to get too hot for comfort, students were encouraged to adjust their radiators or contact an RA for assistance.

Clinton Nguyen can be reached at [email protected].