Surviving the Belgian Winters

Moving to Belgium has been a dream—a lifestyle that suits me. As a girl coming from sun-soaked Rajasthan, I think I have managed to integrate myself pretty wonderfully into that different atmosphere.  

As I return to Belgium after a long summer break in India, I look back at the things I want to do differently and do better this time. Perhaps, the first and the hardest experience on my list is surviving the winters.  

My first Belgian winter was both exciting and daunting. I had spent my entire life in a place where temperatures can soar above 45°C (113°F), and the season of winter in Rajasthan—the woolen sweaters and the maximum drop to 10°C (50°F)—doesn’t even come close to the stinging, rainy cold of European winters.  

My experience was a sensory overload—both emotionally and physically. The cold was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Stepping out of the warm confines of my dorm into the biting cold of a Belgian morning felt like a shock to my system. And I was alone.

The need to do something vs the biting cold had an obvious winner. I never wanted to step out, but being alone and lonely in the small confines of my room led to a tragic outcome. I was slowly succumbing to what the world often calls 'Depressing Winters of Europe.' Heavy rains and foggy days kept me indoors. By the New Year, I found myself sulking, missing the sun and the joy of exploring the city.  

With the New Year around the corner, I embarked on a small winter break trip to France. While that is a story for another time, what I saw there was happy and lively people. People standing in the freezing -2°C right before midnight, chatting away as they waited for 2024 to begin. In that moment, being alone felt like a curse at first.  

But in those few minutes to midnight, I had a realization—an epiphany of sorts. For the longest time, in middle school and high school, I had dreamt of being in this city. Of living alone and being able to independently enjoy life and its pleasures. Of being my own person. Now that I had the chance to be independent and alone, I was slowly drowning in the misery of winter. I had achieved something I had wished for, and I was going to let that go so easily because I couldn’t power through it?  

Well, that is not the Suhani I know. The Suhani I worked so hard to be was somebody who would be so proud of herself because she was doing things she once dreamt of.  

As the clock struck midnight and the Eiffel Tower sparkled away with the fireworks in the distance, I walked with only one thought in mind. I was living my dream life, and I was going to learn how to survive in it.  

So, I went back to Belgium, feeling cold but positive that I could make it through. And I did because I learned the tips and tricks to surviving Belgian winters.  

Determined to adapt, I took practical steps to combat the cold. Layering became my go-to strategy—not just a fashion statement but a survival tactic. Dressing in layers is an art form. I discovered the magic of thermal leggings, thick socks, and inner vests. On particularly cold days, I’d layer up with a sweater, a hoodie, and a heavy winter coat. Accessories like gloves, earmuffs, and beanies became essential parts of my wardrobe. The key was to find a balance between staying warm and not feeling too bulky.  

Rajasthan is known for its dry, arid climate, and the concept of snow was almost alien to me. Seeing the first snowfall in Belgium was a magical experience—the world transformed into a soft white blanket, and snowflakes danced gently from the sky. I was mesmerized by the way the world looked, especially how the snowflakes gently floated down from the sky. However, navigating the icy roads and sidewalks was another story. I invested in sturdy, waterproof boots with a good grip to avoid slipping and falling.  

One of the most challenging aspects of Belgian winters was the cold, persistent rain. In Rajasthan, we are accustomed to dry winters with clear skies, so the constant drizzle and dampness in Belgium were a stark contrast. The frequent rain and grey skies often dampened my mood and energy levels. To cope with this, I made an effort to embrace the rainy weather by investing in good rain gear and heading outdoors whenever I could, even if it was just for a short stroll with an umbrella. I also found comfort in cozy indoor activities like reading, experimenting with new recipes, and discovering warm, inviting local cafes that offered a reprieve from the chilly, wet days.  

Belgium has its own unique ways of coping with the cold. I quickly fell in love with enjoying a hot cup of cocoa in between classes and when chatting with friends. Socializing with friends, attending winter markets, and partaking in festive celebrations helped me feel connected and less isolated during the long winter months.  

Surviving my first Belgian winter taught me far more than just how to layer clothing or navigate icy sidewalks—it was a lesson in resilience, adaptation, and self-discovery. I realized that embracing the challenges, rather than shying away from them, was the key to thriving in this new chapter of my life. Every cold morning, every rainy afternoon, and every foggy evening became opportunities to rediscover my own strength and resourcefulness. I learned to find joy in small moments, like the warmth of a hot drink or the company of friends, and to appreciate the beauty of each season, even the ones that felt foreign and daunting. As I gear up for another winter in Belgium, I feel equipped not just with the right gear but with the right mindset—a commitment to embracing the cold and making the most of the life I’ve always dreamed of.