How to Survive Syracuse as a West Coast Girl
3,000 miles away from home…What could go wrong, right?
BY Isabella Tatone ★ October 6th,2025
Photo Credit: Isabella Tatone
Whenever someone from home finds out I go to Syracuse University (SU), they all ask the same questions: “Isn’t it cold there? How do you survive the winters?” If you’re a West Coast girl dreading Syracuse snowy months, here’s my survival guide:
1. Pack right
Everyone needs a good winter coat— especially if you’re not used to freezing temperatures! You can truly never have too many. I recommend choosing something waterproof or water-resistant, since sometimes the snow feels more like light rain.
I keep my snow boots handy, although I don’t use them as often as I thought I would. In the chilly weather, I move a lot slower, and taking ten minutes to put them on isn’t always necessary — but make sure you have a good pair of shoes with grips so you don’t end up slipping down the hill on your way to Sadler (speaking from experience).
When it feels impossible to stay stylish under five layers, sweaters and scarves are your secret weapon — they add warmth and personality to your outfit of the day.
2. Bring things from home
When homesickness hits, bring a few things from home to make your space feel familiar. SU junior Sydney Goldberger puts it best: “Little reminders of home are the best way to remind yourself that you have a second home in Syracuse. Picture frames on your desk of your pets and family are a must. Also, keep in touch with your parents! It’s so important to stay close to your people back home, they will remind you of the reason you came to Syracuse.”
3. Soak up the sun while you can
The winter months come faster than you expect, so whenever the sun does come out, soak it all up. Bring a blanket, grab some snacks, and lay out on the Quad with your favorite playlist — trust me, you’ll miss this warmth once the snow hits.
4. Find your go-to comfort meal
For when you’re missing home or simply having a bad day, comfort food is a must. Whether it’s Trader Joe’s Mac ‘n Cheese or a taco from XO Taco, meals that remind you of home will bring back that West Coast spirit.
5. Stay in contact with family and friends
FaceTime your parents! Call friends and family on your walk to class, and don’t forget to say hi to your pets too. Catch up often and stay connected, even when the distance feels hard. SU student Georgia Kaufman says, “Find the people at this school that feel like home.” It can be difficult to navigate at first, but once you find them, you’ll know.
6. Find your show that brings you happiness
As a Los Angeles native, some of my favorite shows are Modern Family, New Girl, and The O.C. Seeing places I know and love in these shows makes me feel like I’m right back home.
Even if you follow this entire list, it’s completely normal to still feel homesick sometimes. The most important thing to remember is that it will pass, and you’ll be back home eventually. Moving to a new place can be challenging, so be gentle with yourself while you adjust. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, homesickness can hit us all.
SU freshman Penelope Chang offers some final words of wisdom: “I always remind myself to be grateful for the reason I chose Syracuse — and to look around and appreciate how lucky I am to have people waiting for me back home.”
Edited by: Eliza Brown