It is once again October in Fairbanks and snow is already blanketing the ground. The presence of snow is a portentous sign of the inevitable super-negative temperature of 40 below, and while temperatures like this may strike fear into the hearts of many from warmer regions of the country, one need not despair.

Being from Louisiana, I am also faced with the challenge of preparing for such bitter cold. Should I pack on weight by gorging myself with salmon and berries or should I purchase a three-inch thick, fur lined, arctic tested bodysuit with built-in heating coils like an electric blanket?

I have come across other students who are new to Fairbanks and its extreme temperatures and I have decided to question them to see what they were doing to prepare themselves for the thick of winter. I also questioned students who are native to Fairbanks to see if my bodysuit idea was necessary.

Surprisingly, some students have done little to prepare for the impending 40 below. I suppose they are looking at the weather in much the same manner they approach studying for tests: wait until the last minute. This method is not for me. Thankfully however, other students I spoke to were well prepared.

One student took advantage of army surplus stores, which apparently have all of the apparel one could need, albeit in the rather unfashionable color of green. But, if you are more concerned about warmth and price than you are about looking stylish, the army surplus store might be a good option.

From my discussions with Fairbanks natives I found that the single most essential item is a good parka. Some people chose to shop at Beaver Sports, with their main complaint being the high price. A friend suggested trying Cabela's catalog or website. They offer a wide variety of winter wear at an affordable price. Another popular option was shopping at Value Village, a thrift store where you can get used clothing for a pittance. For the cash-strapped student this might be a good idea if you can stomach the occasional stain and odor. There are many other retailers around town where you can find a good parka and the other necessities you will need for a decent price, so shopping around is a suggestion.

Other important items are mittens, which are a must for excessive temperatures. Also on the list are non-cotton thermal underwear, or at least a partial blend, and really good head protection. Dressing in layers was universally suggested because as cold as it may be outside, the warmth indoors would impel anyone to want to shed their heavy clothing as quickly as possible.

Alaska's long, dark winters appear to have a depressive effect on many students. A good way to help alleviate the winter blues is to get involved in campus activities such as intramural sports. This will give the student a healthy outlet for stress through physical exertion and competition. Signing up encourages you to get out of the dorm, interact with other people, and do something enjoyable.

A popular UAF tradition is to join the 40 Below Club, whose members take pictures wearing little more than shorts in front of the large thermometer at the edge of campus. It may not be for everyone, but it would certainly make a great picture to send home to friends and family. Similarly daring but surely more pleasurable is renting a cabin at Chena Hot Springs and running out to the warm waters while wearing only a bathing suit. This tradition, I'm told, includes the consumption of alcohol shots just before running out into the frigid cold and then jumping in the water. I'm not sure how safe this practice is, but when the temperature becomes as extreme as they can get in Fairbanks, you can't blame students for their creativity and adventurousness.

Whatever you do to prepare for the worst of winter, do it now, so that your winter will not only be bearable but enjoyable.