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We all know that the living standards in the ghetto of North Dunedin can be pretty bad. Images of mouldy rooms, condensation on the windows every morning and milk being left on the bench (since it’s colder in the flat than in the fridge) spring to mind. Staying not only warm, but also healthy, is something of a skill around here.

Keeping your flat warm and dry can be a challenge, and half the problem is sub-standard insulation and shitty upkeep by landlords. You could hound your landlord for some upgrades if they’re willing to cooperate, but failing that, science has a couple of tips to improve your living conditions where possible.

When drying your clothes, should you use a dryer or a line inside? The moisture has to go somewhere, and damp air means your clothes take way longer to dry. Without a way of getting rid of the excess moisture, you also risk encouraging the growth of mould. Mould loves the damp and grows like crazy if left unchecked. What you can do is open some windows. I know it’s cold out, but by closing all doors to your laundry/bathroom/wherever and opening a window you can force the damp air outside: the drier atmosphere (unless it’s raining) draws the moisture out until the amount of moisture outside and inside is the same. This is called equilibrium.

When the fresher flu (or any other winter ailment) comes and rudely interrupts your busy schedule of procrastinating from assignments, you might head down to Student Health. If you decide to see a doctor, there is one key thing to remember: if you have the flu, or some sniffly cold, it’s caused by a virus. If you’re hoping for some antibiotics, therefore, you’re out of luck.

Antibiotics only kill bacteria – they can’t kill viruses. What (generic) antibiotics can do is kill some of the “good” bacteria that normally inhabit your gut. Killing these good bugs can create problems. Where the bugs die, new ones will take their place. Hopefully good bugs will replace good bugs, but occasionally a bad bug may take the space and use it as an opportunity to start a nasty infection. This bug may be resistant to the antibiotic you took. Misuse of antibiotics has contributed to the evolution of “superbugs,” as only resistant bugs will grow where others died. Don’t let this scare you if you do need antibiotics, just don’t expect a prescription every time you get the sniffles.

Going out? Decided to choose your booze blanket over a jacket? The idea that a couple of drinks makes you warmer is actually a myth. Yes, drinking makes you feel warmer. If you touch your cheeks, they might seem warmer. What’s actually happening is a little less fun.

When you’ve had a drink or two, the blood vessels in your skin dilate (they widen a little, allowing more blood through). Since they’re close to the surface, they let heat out. This makes your skin feel warmer, but that is heat leaving the body. This is the same way your body (intentionally) loses heat when you exercise. The problem is that when it’s a balmy Dunedin 4˚C out, your core body temperature goes down. This could actually cause you harm, especially if you are outside for a long time. Don’t let yourself get hypothermia – put some clothes on.

Despite the fact that Dunedin’s flats more than live up to their icy reputation, remember these tips to get you through those wintery weeks with science, bitches.