York is getting colder rapidly. The temperature is declining at an unstoppable rate. This unfortunate fact is causing a frosty mist to leave your mouth when walking to campus and turning panes of glass into panes of ice. Although this revelation will come as no shock to those currently reading this embalmed in blankets and quilts, it’s definitely hard to stay warm on a student budget. Of course, this problem isn’t helped when your housemates are stingy with the gas money…not pointing any fingers. Settle down, snuggle up and let Vision take you through our top tips for staying warm in the winter time…
One(sie) and Only
As the name suggests, a comforting bundle of warmth to envelop you from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. Of course, your housemates may shoot you some disconcerted glances when you first emerge in your new onesie, but don’t worry, they’ll soon be converted! There’s nothing quite like unlocking your front door after a long day of damp-socked lectures, taking a steaming hot shower and slipping into a fleecey, flannel onesie for the rest of the evening. Leave your dignity at the door and embrace everything about these overgrown baby-grows.
And the high street agrees – everwhere from hipster TOPSHOP to metalcore Drop Dead are stocking all-in-ones this winer, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. For budget bargains stick to Primark, where you can pick up a onesie in any pigment, pattern or print. If you’re feeling more flush try a piece from Kigu – these luxury unisex onesies are popular with students and stars alike, though their elaborate animal faces and tails make them difficult to sleep in…
When selecting your onesie, choose ones with cuffs to prevent irritating sleeve-ride-up and to keep your head warm when the rest of you is tucked up under the covers.
Keeping It Inside
Just because you live in student digs doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a little interior panache – and stay warm while the merucry drops!
They may sound a bit old fashioned, but don’t you dare knock a draught excluder until you’ve tried one. Snake them around the front and back doors, as well as bedrooms that open onto corridors – you’ll be thanking us any day now.
Dig out an old water bottle – or better yet, invest in a new stylish one – and cuddle up with it on the sofa, at your desk chair, and in bed. Shops are full of covers that will transform your hot water bottle into the epitome of style. Check out TOPSHOP and Urban Outfitters for quirky, retro styles, or The White Company for a pricey but endlessly chic alternative.
If you live on the ground floor, and I don’t want to sound melodramatic here, a rug could change your life. The cold ground will sap the heat from any rooms at ground level to such an extent that there aren’t enough pairs of socks in the world to warm your feet back up. Rugs can be splutteringly expensive, so shop wisely – for a stylish look go for monochrome, graphic prints. But if insulation is your goal, choose something with a thick pile – faux fur is ideal.
A Blanket Approach
Blankets deserve a special place in your heart, and a prime position on your bed. They lend a hand to that wafer thin, four button duvet, as well as adding a new texture and print to your bedding. The multi-tool of the soft furnishings world, layer up blankets and quilts on your bed, drape them on your sofa, or just wrap up in them to watch some cheesey Christmas telly.
Department stores and even supermarkets are a great place to stock up on purse-friendly blankets, with BHS stocking a particularly impressive range of shades.