Sometimes the City of Lights Doesn't Shine

Following the depressing and frigid first week of school you may be wondering "Is Paris even worth living in?". Although it is difficult to find things to appreciate in the biting cold, there are still a few glimmers of hope to hold on to in the long winter ahead. 

1. Concerts

Image credit: Melisa Ulkumen

An undeniable attribute of winter in Paris is the stunning amount of great musicians that come to town. This winter there is a large array of concerts to wisely choose from Cage the Elephant and Rae Sremmurd to Drake and The Weeknd. Seeing as there tends to be less going out to clubs and bars during the winter, concerts are an excellent option. Fortunately, there is a legion of concerts with more reasonable prices for those on a budget. The city offers a fruitful combination of artists during this time that fit to everyone's needs. Chances are that you will find a show for one of your favorite artists. If not, there are always cheap, clandestine concerts that make for a fun experience.

2. Home Gatherings

Image credit: Flickr/Xavi

Considering that it is negative degrees Celsius outside, it is difficult to work up the fortitude for bars and clubs. Luckily, having friends over at your house is an simple and affordable alternative. Despite the fact that most student housing is cramped and Comforts of Home could fine you, home gatherings can be just as fun and more even more intimate.

Additionally, the great thing about home gatherings is that you do not have to dress up or spend money! Lounging around with friends over a glass of wine or cup of beer can spark some interesting conversations and is an opportunity to get to know them even better. A few entertaining activities for home gatherings include: Cards Against Humanity, a board game of your preference, beer pong, or simply a home-cooked dinner.

3. Snow

Image Credit: Flickr/Flavio Ensiki

Some of the world's most distinguished skiing and snowboarding resorts are highly accessible from Paris. Taking advantage of how cheap travel is, is a must of for the time that you are in Paris. 2017's Best European Ski Resort is in Alpe d'Huez in the French Alps and is only a few hour drive from Paris! Even if skiing or snowboarding is not your forte, there are numerous activities involving the snow. Ranging from hitting the ski slopes in the French Alps to joining your friends to a weekend in Switzerland to go sledding. 

Aside from skiing, snow is simply an instant mood booster. Enjoy the beauty of the flakes as they are rare, even in Paris. 

4. Layering Clothes

Image credit: Flickr/Hernán Piñera

The pressure to dress well in one of the fashion capitols of the world is no less during the winter. But thankfully, layering clothes is not only a necessity but also a great way to effortlessly look fashionable. One of the few perks of the almost glacial-like weather is the excuse to wear statement pieces such as fur coats and lavish scarves. Dressing in the winter usually prioritizes warmth and comfort and no one cares if you wear the same coat everyday.

On the other hand, there are massive sales during the winter. Now through February 14 most stores have winter sales to make room for the upcoming season. So, make sure to try to buy clothes for a bargain while you can. 

5. Food

Image Credit: Melisa Ulkumen

Comfort foods are an aspect of winter that almost everyone can get on board on. Most dishes become more hearty and have more carbohydrates to help you get through the winter. Warm coffees, "pot-au-feu", French onion soup are all somehow even more appetizing and satisfying in the cold weather. If you are trying to stat away from comfort foods winter season calls for a fresh batch of seasonal produce that consists of a mass collection of vegetables and citrus fruits. 

Bon appétit!

 6. It's still beautiful!

Image credit: Flickr/Bradley Weber

Regardless of how cold it is outside Paris never fails to amaze. Catching a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower in the fog while walking on campus or watching the city slowly light up will always make the cold worth enduring. Having to wear a few more layers of clothing and going out less is a low cost to pay to be able to live in one of the world's most dazzling cities. 

Bundle up!