A chill in the air. Snow all around. Frozen roads. A time to get cozy in your home. What do all of these things have in common?

These elements are all in Baton Rouge today, so much so that LSU canceled on-campus classes and relies on professors to give students assignments or hold online classes.

Nevertheless, during these chilly times that are hard to come by in Louisiana, here are some of the best things to do during a winter storm.

1. Stay off the roads

If it’s not apparent, Southerners cannot drive on icy roads. Whether you’re a Texan who drives like a maniac or someone who drives slow, you can’t handle driving on unfamiliar territory, i.e. snow and ice. So, please stay at home instead of hydroplaning on the road for your own safety and everyone else’s.

2. Read a book

If you’re anything like me, you always tell yourself to read more and buy more books. So, instead of just putting your love for fantasy, mysteries or raunchiness in the dark, pick up a book and read to your heart’s content. Now’s the time to do so when you can’t go anywhere.

3. Watch something off of your TBW list

A TBW list is a to-be-watched list for those who do not know. Nonetheless, during a time of snow and cozy feelings all around us, it’s the perfect time to watch something that you’ve been wanting to watch. Whether that be a new crime documentary, reality TV show or a funny movie, pick up your nearest remote and watch whatever you want.

4. Go outside

I know that this sounds weird to say during a time when Southerners feel like they’re dying from the cold, but go outside and see if it’s snowing. Look around you and see if there are any icicles, frost on your car and a wondrous smell in the air; the smell of a true winter. Just look around you and feel the comfort of the winter season. But make sure to be careful around any slippery areas so that you don’t fall and bust your butt.

5. Play in the snow

As someone who grew up in Florida and lives in Louisiana, I find it hard to believe it will snow here. However, if it, in fact, does, like the meteorologists say, go outside and play in the snow. I’m sure many people around here have never seen snow or have only seen it once or twice. So, play in the snow. Sure, it’s cold, but you can do many things: tubing, sledding, building a snowman, making snow angels or starting a snowball fight. Go outside and play in the snow with family and friends before this wintery weather is gone for good.

6. Bundle up

Whether you’re inside or out, you need to bundle up. I don’t care if you’re too stubborn to wear layers upon layers. It is less than 40 degrees today, so help yourself and wear a jacket at the very least. It’s not that hard. Also, if you have a dog and need to take them outside, put some warm clothing on them. Our puppies deserve to be warm during these cold times, too.

7. Cuddle up with your furry friends

If you’re anything like me, you have a dog, cat or anything in between, perhaps even a scaly creature. Either way, spend some good ol’ time with your pets. Though we’re not dealing with a blizzard, we also can’t go anywhere because of the icy roads, so you might as well spend some time with your pets.

8. Wrap your pipes (if you haven’t already)

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from last winter, Louisiana infrastructure does not handle winter weather very well. So, make your pipes so they don’t freeze and burst; this is especially important for any college student. We all know you want to save money to go to Tigerland during the weekend, so don’t empty your bank account by not covering your pipes.

9. Put on your favorite pair of Uggs

Though Uggs go in and out of style, snowy weather is the perfect time to have your feet cozy and warm, at least indoors. Let’s face it: wear good, sturdy boots if you want to go outside. Don’t wear Uggs. You’re just asking to slip and fall.

10. Make your favorite hot beverage

Whether you like hot chocolate or coffee, make your favorite hot beverage during these times of severe chills. There’s nothing better than the taste and smell of either hot chocolate or coffee during a time when you’re freezing your butt off. So, embrace the chocolate or luxurious smell of coffee beans, and get yourself a hot beverage at home.

Though some of the above are outdoor activities, I do not recommend them if your favorite weather app issues additional warnings. Nevertheless, during this once-in-a-lifetime chance to see snow in a normally humid place, find whatever makes your heart happy and stay warm.

Taylor Hamilton is a 20-year-old mass communication junior from Tallahassee, FL.