Winter in Sheffield can be a beautiful and magical time, but it also brings chilly temperatures that can make your student accommodation feel a bit frosty. As the temperatures drop, it’s crucial to prepare your living space to ensure a comfortable and warm environment. In this guide, we’ll explore the unique challenges of cold winters in Sheffield and provide practical tips on keeping warm, choosing suitable clothes, and tackling those pesky draughts.
Cold Winters in Sheffield:
Sheffield is no stranger to cold and damp winters, with temperatures often hovering around freezing point. The city’s proximity to the Peak District means that the weather can be unpredictable, with occasional snowfall and icy winds. Understanding the climate is the first step in preparing your student accommodation for the winter months.
Modern student accommodation standards help
Student accommodation has evolved from damp poorly maintained student houses of the 20th century. Modern materials, regulations and demand for higher standards means Insulation, Double glazing, energy-efficient heating systems, and fireproof doors.
Although designed to remain warm in the winter and cooler in the summer months, sometimes you can just feel the cold if temperatures plummet.
Tips on Keeping Warm:
- Opt for High-Quality Bedding: Make sure to invest in cosy and insulating bedding, such as thick duvet and flannel sheets. Consider adding an extra blanket for nights that are especially chilly. Sleeping on top of a second duvet and underneath your existing one provides a snug way to keep warm overnight. Warning! you may not want to get up in the morning.
- Utilize Layered Drapes: Enhance your home’s insulation with thick, layered curtains that serve as an extra defence against the cold. Close them during the evenings to effectively trap warmth indoors.
- Warm Lighting: Opt for warm-colored LED bulbs in your room. Not only do they create a cosy atmosphere, but they also generate a bit of heat. The warm glow of lighting can create a cosy ambience, tricking the body into feeling warmer and more comfortable.
- Exploring Alternative Heat Sources: In a single room, the collective body heat of occupants can serve as an alternative source, fostering a shared warmth. Additionally, heat generated from electrical devices, such as computers or lamps, contributes to a subtle but noticeable increase in room temperature. An unconventional yet effective method involves leaving the oven door open after cooking, allowing the residual heat to disperse and warm up the surrounding space. These inventive approaches offer supplementary ways to stay warm and cosy during colder periods.
- Suppose you have that one window. There’s invariably that one window that becomes exceptionally cold in winter, probably because glass isn’t the best insulator. Fortunately, the solution is straightforward. Grab some bubble wrap and a spray bottle of water. Cut the bubble wrap to match each window pane’s size, then lightly mist the window with water using the spray bottle. The water forms a seal, securing the bubble wrap against the window. Voila! Your DIY window insulation is ready!
Suitable Clothes to Wear:
Dressing for Winter is important to keeping your core temperature up, even indoors, so making sure you’re dressed appropriately for colder weather is important towards your health
- Thermal Layers: Invest in thermal underwear to keep your body warm. Wearing a thin layer of thermal clothing under your regular clothes can make a significant difference.
- Insulated Outerwear: A good-quality winter coat, gloves, and a hat are essential for braving the cold outdoors. Look for insulated options to stay warm without adding bulk.
- Warm Socks and Slippers: Cold floors can be a major source of discomfort. Invest in warm socks and slippers to keep your feet toasty while indoors. socks are ok in bed!
- Layer Up Indoors: Layering isn’t just for outdoor activities. Consider adding a cosy sweater or hoodie when you’re indoors to maintain warmth without cranking up the heating.
When the chill of winter settles in and the study desk becomes a haven for focused learning, a simple yet effective solution for staying warm presents itself—the trusty blanket. Draping a soft, cosy blanket over your shoulders while seated at the desk not only adds a touch of warmth but also creates a snug cocoon of comfort. As you delve into textbooks and navigate the realms of knowledge, the blanket becomes a shield against the cold, providing a sense of cosiness that enhances concentration. It’s not just a practical accessory; it transforms the study space into a personal retreat, making the pursuit of knowledge a warmer and more inviting endeavour. So, grab your favourite blanket, wrap yourself in its warmth, and let the comforting embrace of both learning and cosiness define your study experience.
Warm food and drink
Consuming warm food and drinks can contribute to a feeling of warmth through various mechanisms. The act of eating and drinking warm items prompts the body to increase internal temperature temporarily, thanks to the energy expended in the digestion process, known as thermogenesis. Additionally, warm liquids can enhance blood circulation, leading to better heat distribution throughout the body. The psychological comfort derived from the sensory warmth and the insulation provided by the calories in the food further contributes to an overall sense of cosiness. While these factors offer a pleasant feeling of warmth, it’s essential to recognize that they don’t significantly impact the body’s core temperature, which is regulated by internal mechanisms like shivering and vasoconstriction.
Locating and Stopping Draughts:
- Check Windows and Doors: Inspect your windows and doors for gaps and cracks. Use weather stripping or draft excluders to seal any openings.
- Heavy Curtains: In addition to keeping your curtains closed at night, make sure they are heavy enough to prevent cold air from seeping in through the windows.
- Rugs and Carpets: Cold floors can contribute to draughts. Place rugs or carpets on bare floors to add an extra layer of insulation. Alternatively, insulate your feet with socks!
- Seal Unused Vents: If your accommodation has vents that can’t be closed, consider covering them with magnetic vent covers or heavy fabric to stop cold air from entering. However be aware that air vents are installed for a reason, blocking them can encourage damp, condensation and mould growth. So don’t leave them covered for long periods!
Using Draught excluders
Draught excluders shouldn’t be necessary, but in the instance they are, they can be a cheap way to help keep a room warm. Drafts can make your room feel colder than it actually is. Use draft excluders on doors and windows to keep the cold air out, and the warm air in.
A quick and cost-effective solution to keep your home cosy during the winter is making DIY draught excluders using common household items. Repurpose old towels, jeans, or newspapers by stuffing them into tight, clean tights. Simply cut the legs of the tights, fill them with your chosen insulating material, and tie the ends securely. These makeshift draught excluders can be easily placed along the bottom of doors or windowsills to prevent cold air from seeping in and warm air from escaping. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance insulation and make your living space more comfortable while also upcycling materials you might have otherwise discarded.
By taking these steps, you can transform your Sheffield student accommodation into a warm and inviting space, ensuring you stay cosy throughout the winter months. Embrace the season, enjoy the beauty of Sheffield in winter, and make the most of your student experience without freezing!
Related
External Links
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/beat-the-cold/keeping-warm
About Thornsett Properties
Thornsett Properties has been providing student accommodation in Sheffield since 1985, catering to over 650 students studying at Sheffield Uni and Sheffield Hallam Uni every year. As property owners, Thornsett Properties manages all properties directly, ensuring quality living experiences without relying on third parties. Our goal is to support students’ success while living and studying in Sheffield student accommodation.
