Life Advice
Advice for Helping People in the Dorm:
Hanging out in the common room all the time is certainly not a good way to get work done, but don’t underestimate time spent there with your friend group. By having a conversation in a common dorm space, you’re inviting other people to listen and become involved - in the end, they will feel welcome in your friend group. Playing video games in the common room can serve the opposite purpose, because people feel shut out when you are absorbed in a game with one or two close friends. However, card games, puzzles, board games and other non-electronic games are the perfect way to get to know those quiet people in your dorm who may be strangers to you, even after three or four years.
Recently, one of my dorm faculty started playing War with one student in the common room, and soon other students were taking sides (healthy competition, of course) or beginning new games of War. I had always thought that cards or board games were old-fashioned and uninteresting, but my dorm faculty knew better. Everyone left the common room feeling ready to start the night’s homework because of the stress release.
Holiday activities like angeling (giving anonymous gifts to a dorm member and revealing yourself afterward), gingerbread house building, and holiday card-making also help to create a friendly dorm community. My dorm even turns gingerbread house building into a competition between dueling hallways. If your dorm doesn’t have any of these traditions, ask a dorm faculty member if they could help you start them. Most dorms have some funds to promote bonding, and especially during the cold winter months, people need something fun to keep them positive.
Advice for Winter Clothing:
Every year, my parents remark on how underdressed Exonians are during the winter months. As a prep, I gave away multiple pairs of boots, gloves and some hats to friends who did not understand the severity of New England winters. Although by now, most Exonians have felt the beginnings of this true New Hampshire weather, you still may be unsure how to prepare. Over Christmas break, stock up on these essentials:
Hats (or if you don’t like how hats look, make sure you have a coat with a hood) - Every year, people seem to have a hard time with this one.
An insulated coat (something with more than a flimsy cotton, polyester, or fleece lining) - Puffy coats or coats with a shell and warm interior work well.
Waterproof boots (No, your pumps are not waterproof, and neither are your Converse.)
A windbreaker or raincoat (because freezing rain does happen)
Socks longer than ankle-length (because ankles can get cold, too)
If you’re planning on taking any walks outside for longer than fifteen minutes, it would be smart to have a scarf and heavy-duty mittens or gloves (not the thin cotton ones). If you still feel freezing outside, Mr. Bremiller has great cold-weather clothing recommendations. Trust me, I take outdoor fitness.
Places to Get Holiday Gifts in Exeter:
Sometimes, it’s hard to get gifts for your parents when you’re at home, especially if you don’t have your own driver’s license. Here are some places to grab small gifts for the family and friends, while also supporting local businesses (because Amazon can’t own everything).
Water Street Bookstore: If you don’t know what to get for your mom, get her a book. If you don’t know what to get for your dad, get him a book. If you don’t know what to get for your dog, maybe they’ll chew on a book. Note: also has good collection of young adult novels for siblings and friends
Whirlygigs Toy Shop: Got a little sibling? Go here first.
Friendly Pets: If you want to get your pet a gift, or if you just like being in pet stores and seeing animals, you can find this place beside Pine Garden.