Trinity is Colder Than Moscow: Lessons from Siberia

Erqan Touimaada ‘26

Contributing Writer

As an Indigenous Siberian, I carry with me skills from a land where winter is life. Growing up in Yakutia, where temperatures plunge to a bone-chilling -90°F (-67°C), I have always worn my ability to endure the cold as a badge of honor. Whenever snow covers Trinity’s campus, I love telling friends, “This isn’t cold; this is cozy compared to Siberia!” But I’ll admit, there are moments when even Trinity’s cold surprises me. 

To survive the icy dormitories and drafty study buildings, I offer you a few Siberian-inspired tips and cultural lessons on how to stay warm—and perhaps even embrace the cold as a Trinity student embrace the absurd. After all, winter isn’t just about survival; it’s about connection.

Vocabulary for the Frosty Season

• Instead of “Keep safe,” you can say “Stay warm.” – Тоҥума
• When you like someone, you can say “You make me warm.” – Миигин сылата ҕын
• If you’re annoyed with someone, you can say “Let your jacket be thin and not enough,” which is the Siberian equivalent of “Take a hike!” – То ҥ , долбаёб

Winter Etiquette

Winter isn’t just a season—it’s a lifestyle. Here are a few rules we follow back home that could make Trinity winters more bearable (and fun!):

1. Hot Drinks, Not Clichés: When a friend invites you for drinks, skip the Russian vodka stereotype. Instead, bring a bottle of German Glühwein—a warm, spiced wine perfect for snowy nights.
2. Warm Dates, Literally: Always plan dates indoors. The cold waits for no one, and standing outside waiting for a latecomer could turn romantic anticipation into frostbite.
3. Thoughtful Warmth: Forget movie clichés like draping a jacket over someone’s shoulders. Instead, gift a Mongolian cashmere scarf or Korean gloves that work with touchscreens—practical and heartfelt.
4. The Door Rule: Always let people coming in from the cold enter first. It’s a simple act of kindness that prevents heat loss and ensures no one’s left shivering outside.

Staying Warm, Siberian Style

Here are some tried-and-true ways to beat the cold:

• Preheat Your Jacket: Leave your jacket by a heater before putting it on. There’s nothing better than stepping out into the cold wrapped in pre-warmed layers.
• Breathe Through Your Nose: This warms the air before it hits your lungs, keeping your core temperature steady.
• Cuddle Up: On the chilliest days, the best way to stay warm is through human (or pet!) connection. Snuggle with friends, lovers, or even trees—they don’t judge, and they radiate a surprising amount of warmth.

At Trinity, the winters may not rival Siberia’s extremes, but they’re cold enough to remind us of the power of community. So, stay warm, take care of each other, and remember: Siberians know that the best way to fight the cold is with warm hearts.