Bundled up in my turtleneck sweater, long-sleeve top underneath and denim jacket, I’m now ready to face my day. It’s a whopping 58-degrees outside and I laugh to myself as I look around while walking to class. Some people are dressed very similarly to me, others are wearing shorts and a short-sleeve shirt, and a few are even wearing their winter coats.
Once the heat and humidity of New England summer dwindles, I tend to quickly overestimate my ability to withstand cold weather. For context, I moved to Connecticut from Southern California, a place known for its palm trees, sunshine, and year-long warm weather. For even more specific context to the outfit I described, I originally just had a sweater on. However, once I stepped outside I soon realized I needed more layers. I find myself doing this quite often: I either dress too warmly or not warm enough. That is just one of the few things I’ve grown accustomed to as a non-East Coaster here in New Haven.
Here I am in the outfit I described above along with a selfie of me all bundled up for the cold.
“Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood
Coming from Southern California, I knew that adapting to Connecticut weather was going to be a struggle. I heard the heat was humid and sticky (in California, it’s dry heat, it’s different). I had seen pictures of the college covered in snow and heard about 4pm sunsets. As long as I could return to my 80-degree weather, palm trees and sunshine by mid-December, I was prepared to endure the red noses and constant cold hands. What I didn’t expect, however, was how much I would love the seasons here.
Fall in New Haven is absolutely breathtaking and just a week into October, I annoy all my East Coast friends by how often I stop to stare at the trees, scream “Wow! It’s so orange!!” and take a million pictures. So, while the weather does have its downsides – for those both used to and those not – I can’t say that I will ever love putting on multiple layers and a scarf just to leave the dorm – the beauty here does make it worth it.
Pictured: Dianna and I smiling at the Harvard-Yale Game. Not Pictured: Dianna and I freezing while watching the game.
“Missing Home” by flora cash
Another struggle that comes with the cross-country move is homesickness. While this is true for every first year, from those moving across the world to just down the street, it can be especially harder for those so far from home. From time zone differences to not being able to find your favorite comfort food, there are moments when you feel the distance.
However, I’ve found that you can “find home” in so many little ways. From meeting people from my same state or even my same city to purposefully making time to connect with those from back home, I’ve been able to bring home here.
I’ve also been able to create a second home. While it’s great to find comfort in people who relate to you and where you’re from, it’s also exciting to meet people from all around the country and the world. My closest friend (and suitemate) here at Yale is from Chicago and nothing makes us laugh more than seeing each other dressed completely differently for the weather. We have endless conversations about our hometowns while sitting on our common room couch and have even found ourselves unconsciously referring to our suite as “home.” And so, while California still holds my heart, I won’t lie and say I don’t miss New Haven when I leave for breaks, because I very much do.
New Haven sunset reminding me of my much loved California sunsets.
“The City” by Ed Sheeran
Overall, I can say my cross-country move has been a lot smoother than I had thought. I am constantly meeting fellow Californians to bond with over missing Mexican food and complaining about traffic back home. So even when you do miss the weather back home or the food, there is always someone there to make you feel more at home. There will also be others here who will make you feel like New Haven is now your home.
For all my fellow Californians, here’s a Spotify playlist that reminds me of our Golden State. For those who’ve never been, still definitely listen to it for the vibes.
Yale through the seasons.
