Since we've been here there are few tips and tricks we've picked up. I'll probably end up doing a few posts on these.
1. Everything here is expensive barring alcohol (ryan's doing a food post later) so try and bring things like teabags/coffee with you
2. The wind changes a lot, so carry an extra scarf/hat and pair of goggles in your bag in case you need it.
3. Slippers, we take off shoes at UNIS so its handy to have slippers to walk around in unless you don't mind socks. We have been told we will have a fire test in a few months though so running outside in socks would not be fun.
4. Don't wear cotton as a base layer, it makes you colder. This applied to socks too, one pair of woollen socks keeps my feet warmer than 3 pairs of thermal and cotton socks.
5. Have two different types of hats and scarves. January here has been fairly mild this year so we can wear lighter hats and scarves but March is meant to be the coldest month so we will need heavier hats for the colder days.
6. Check the current temperature before going out: http://158.39.149.183/Gruvefjellet/index.html
this link is the weather station on the side of the valley near Longyearbyen.
7. For gloves everyone is different, we were told that mittens keep your hands warmer as it allows warm air to circulate. I have two pairs of normal gloves, a woollen pair and thinsulate pair which has been fine for me so far. But if it gets colder or on hikes you would need warmer gloves or mittens. It is also suggested you get a pair of thin gloves which helps in the safety training and on hikes so you don't have to expose your hands to air if you need to use your fingers.
8. They do sell UNIS coats which are very good but they are around £200, I know a few people with those coats but my £80 coat has been just as good. (which I got from Mountain Warehouse after Christmas in the sale)
9. Shoes-wise. I got re-enforced rubber type ones that are water and windproof. They are good but everyone has the same problem with shoes where if you stand still outside in the snow and ice it will make your feet cold (we did that a lot in safety course) but if you're moving its fine. My shoes are good but don't have as good grip as others, some people have hiking type shoes with grippy soles which is helpful for walking to the uni and hiking. You can always get crampons or shoe spikes if you need to.
10. Get a face mask. Even a thin one will help keep your face warm if its cold or windy (wind chill is a big thing here). I have only used mine a few times so far but they are good to have for when it gets colder in a few months.
11. It is easy to get used to the dark as we get a bit of twilight most days now. But it does make you feel tired a lot. The constant daylight is apparently harder to get used to but i'll talk about that in a few months when i've experienced it.
12. It takes around 35-45 minutes to walk to the UNIS from Nybyen so plan accordingly.
13. You can use a magnetometer to find out if an aurora will be happening soon (A drop in the blue 'lyr' line is what you are watching for) Here Is where you can look. You can also use the UNIS all sky camera to see. Although it may look bright on the all sky camera it will be dimmer when you go out.
14. Go up to Mine 2b, it is a cultural heritage site that you'll will walk past most days (up on the right hand valley as you walk towards town). It is really cool. A post about it will be up soon.
That's all I can think of for now. More will be coming soon.
Miriam
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