If you are considering a camping holiday, then warm clothing such as jumpers and cardigans is exceedingly important. Regardless of destination, even in a warm climate, temperatures will drop at night and your clothing will need to take this into account. You may also need to consider the altitude of your campsite as the higher you go, the lower the temperature. While carrying unnecessary items is discouraged, it is better to have too much clothing available rather than not enough, just in case of emergencies. The duration of your holiday will also influence the amount of clothes you need to bring, as changes of clothing may be necessary, especially if yours get wet.

Layering

The technique known as layering is the best way to ensure sweat is removed from your skin as quickly as possible. Your inner layer will consist of a light t-shirt and depending on the temperature or location involved, additional layers of warm clothing are added, the medium layer consisting of jumpers and cardigans and the outer layer can protect you from snow, rain and wind. The outer layer is typically of waterproof material. Those involved in winter sports or rock climbing will have additional requirements, with warm clothing designed specifically for cold conditions, with additional protective padding and waterproofing qualities.

Safety

When camping outdoors, especially at high altitude in mountainous areas, weather conditions can be unpredictable and warm clothing can save your life, protecting you from hypothermia, the most common cause of death is outdoor activities involving prolonged outdoor exposure. If you have an accident in a remote location, preventing hypothermia is essential and keeps you alive until you are rescued. Such situations are rare, but it is always best to be prepared for unexpected emergencies and adhere to safe practices when on a camping holiday. Do not take unnecessary risks and always carry a fully charged mobile phone (with spare batteries) in case emergency services are required. Even in the UK, it is easy to become lost while on a camping holiday, perhaps while hiking or exploring the surrounding area and a mere t-shirt and shorts will not protect you from the elements at night. Even in the summer months – carry a backpack with some warm clothes and other essential items.

Picture: Andrey Kiselev – Fotolia

Colorado is a state that has a proud cultural, social and scientific history. Boasting no less than 13 absolutely first class museums, the state is a metaphorical gold mine for anybody looking to learn more about history and the world in which they live.

The Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History should undoubtedly be one of the first stops for those who are interested in visiting the museums of the local area. While the museum is run in collaboration with the University of Colorado in Boulder, it deserves to be visited regardless of whether or not you currently study there. It is a great place for the whole family to visit as it offers everything from kid’s fun tours to educational trips and even offers an outstanding graduate program to those who study at the University. In addition to all this, the Museum of Natural History’s long term anthropology hall exhibition has been heralded as the best exhibition of ‘Peoples from the American Southwest’ within the whole of America.

The Museum of Western Colorado

This is the largest multi-disciplinary museum within the state. It currently includes three major museum facilities, three active outdoor paleontology sites, an educational center and a respected research library. Over 117,000 people visit the museum annually, making it the busiest museum in Colorado. Its $6 entrance fee is more than fair considering the range of tours it offers including dinosaur expeditions, extensive educational programming and historic and cultural trips and tours. The museum offers a great fountain of knowledge for those who are focused on outdoor study and scientific research within Colorado.

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

This 109 year old museum is located within the former El Paso County Courthouse and gives a great insight into the history and culture of the Pikes Peak Region with its exhibits emphasizing the unique character of this uncommon Front Range region. As the focal point of the city’s lovely downtown, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum draws around 75,000 people annually, many of these are students who study within the area as the museum offers a great foundation for learning whilst entry is free.

Other Great Museums

Whilst the three museums already noted are the largest and most popular within the area, this does not mean that the other museums are not worth visiting. There are several great art museums including the Aspen Art Museum, the Denver Art Museum and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Centre, whilst the Denver Museum of Nature and Science should also be very appealing to those who are interested in outdoor study and scientific research.

Picture copyright – Jan Kranendonk

Student Life in Colorado offers a lot more than simply education. By making the decision to study in this gloriously unique state, students open themselves to the chance of numerous energetic, outdoor pursuits.

Student Clubs

For those with a taste for the great outdoors, Colorado has it all. The mountainous terrain and wonderful valleys are ideal for anybody with a love for extreme sports, while the scenery is perfect for nature lovers. However, the state’s colleges and universities also offer their fair share of activities for energetic students.

There are currently over 100 different student clubs and organizations based within the area, spanning from the Campus Newspaper to Faith based groups and there’s even a student club for every sport you can think of. Joining one of these many student clubs encourages those who study in Colorado to become an active member of the students’ society, which is a great way of making new friends and help enhance your life experience.

Health and Wellbeing

An important part of student life is coping with the pressures of heavy study workloads and ensuring that the troubles of everyday life do not affect your health. Colorado offers great healthcare resources for those who have chosen to study there, including a monthly Student Health 101 magazine, which is distributed around the area and provides important information and advice to students regarding their health.

Student Resources

Student life in Colorado will, of course, also consist of a large amount of study, and thankfully the university offers a huge amount of educational resources to all students. Not only does it boast several substantial libraries around the area, it also has large amount of vital educational resources available via the internet on its online resource center. The campus directory and web mail services are also on hand to answer any of your questions and will be able to tell you exactly where to look for the resources that you need. Student Life in Colorado has so much to offer for everyone, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Picture copyright Warren Rosenberg – Fotolia