The Mirror Lake Jump

The holiday season is upon us. Many students finally get to go back home for the Thanksgiving holiday and enjoy some time with their friends and family. Aside from that, here at Ohio State, another opportunity for some fun is coming up. Yes, I am talking about the Mirror Lake jump. This is an exciting time for any Buckeye. With an event like this–one that is intended to show our commitment to the rivalry against Mic**gan–people go all out. But before you make the jump, be prepared.

Mirror Lake is very cold. VERY cold. Jumping in any body of water in mid-to-late November in Ohio is never going to feel good. Many students counter the temperature of the water by consuming some sorts of alcoholic beverages (all being at least 21 years old, of course). But if you face the water sober, do not plan on staying in that water for too long. There are always people who like to stay in or even try to swim around for a little… don’t be so stupid. Make sure you have the warmest jacket, or two, right next to the lake or with a friend that you can immediately grab after you wipe off. There is a solid chance you will be shaking uncontrollably so make sure you have whatever you need to get warm as soon as possible.

As far as what to wear for the jump, be warned: Mirror Lake is not the cleanest of bodies of water. Wear your absolute least favorite clothes, as many have said that they can never wear the clothes they jumped in the lake with again. Same goes for your choice of shoes. Make sure you have tightened your shoes up as tight as possible and have taped them to yourself on the off chance that they fall off and get stuck in the lake. The Mirror Lake jump is awesome, but incredibly messy.

Lastly, do not sprint back to your room and turn the shower on to hot. Your skin will burn. Your body will most likely still be pretty cold and the shock of hot water to it will not be pleasant. Get in the shower and turn the water temperature to mild. Slowly and patiently increase the temperature until your skin in comfortable with the heat.

The Mirror Lake jump is a priceless memory; every student should experience it at least once at their time at Ohio State. For all those students, be careful. Have fun, hangout, jump in, and stay safe.