Preparing for a Move to Spokane: From an East Coast Student’s Perspective

Melissa Mickey, Class of 2018, New Student Orientation Super Group Leader 

Amidst the excitement and stress of packing for your first year at Gonzaga University, it can be easy to forget some staple articles of clothing as well as useful tools for the year, especially if you aren’t from the area.  As a student from New Jersey, I found there are a lot of similarities as well as some differences between what I needed at home versus school in terms of weather preparedness. This is why it is important to not only be mindful of the weather in Spokane in terms of packing, but also in terms of both physical and mental health.  Here are four things to keep in mind while packing for GU.

First, clothing.  As we have all experienced at some point in our lives, when humans travel, we tend to forget things – especially important articles of clothing.  For some students at GU, their first year in Spokane is the first time they experience a winter wonderland; full of snow, cold temperatures in the 20’s and 30’s, and ice from November through February (or even longer).  As beautiful as winter can appear, it is also a harsh experience, if you don’t come prepared.  If you do not have one already, buy a winter jacket – not the light jacket you wear in the spring/fall – and either bring a hat or make sure the jacket has a hood.  Also, bring boots or some sort of close-toed shoe that has good traction and will keep your feet warm.  Finally, do not only bring shorts.  Bring jeans and other pants for the winter.  These three articles of clothing are necessary to stay warm and safe during winter in Spokane.  On top of this, bring clothes you can easily layer, since most classrooms will be relatively warm during winter.  If you’d like to be extra prepared, bring gloves, heavy socks, earmuffs, under-armor, etc.  Keep in mind that buying clothes for winter can be costly, so buying winter clothes in the summer can help cut costs and also give you time to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Second, on top of combatting the cold, because of Spokane’s altitude which is approximately 2,000 feet above sea level, students coming from lower elevations and more humid areas should keep some short-term and long-term differences in mind.   During your first few days in Spokane, you might feel shortness of breath or light-headed due to the altitude change, but your body should acclimate quickly (if not, see a doctor). The long-term effect of being at a higher altitude is that the air is dryer, especially in the winter, which can lead to dry skin, dehydration, and other issues.  To prepare for such experiences, students can pack (or buy) lip balm, moisturizer, and water bottles. Be intentional with staying hydrated during the school year. There are plenty of water bottle refill stations on campus.

Third, there is a health issue called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  SAD is a mood disorder that affects some people around the same time every year.  SAD can occur during winter, and it is thought to occur during this time because of the lack of sun/warmth.  Symptoms of SAD can include a change in appetite, weight gain, a drop in energy level, oversleeping, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, depression, etc.  Some simple methods to help with SAD is to exercise regularly at least 4-5 times per week as well as investing in a light therapy product.  As you can see, some of these symptoms overlap with being a tired college student after a long week of studying and exams or they are symptoms that can be tied to other mental health issues, so it is important to be aware of these symptoms and talk to a someone at Health & Counseling Services, if you are concerned.

Finally, after enjoying the fall and winter in Spokane, with spring comes allergies.  If you are not from the Spokane area, you might be surrounded by plants that are different from the ones back home.  Because of this, even if you did not have allergies in the past, you might have them while at school.  If this is the case, you can use over-the-counter allergy medicine or visit Health & Counseling Services.

Overall, moving to a new place is bound to be overwhelming.  Packing a few extra pieces of clothing and developing new tools can make a huge difference.  Spokane’s seasons can be different, if you are not from the area, but they are also a lovely experience.  Seeing the leaves change color in the fall, experiencing a winter wonderland, and watching the flowers bloom in the spring are as much a part of your first year at GU as meeting new friends and deciding on a major.