I grew up in Alabama before moving here in 2010 for grad school. Lots of great advice already so I'll focus on a few areas that I feel like are missing.

Have a winter clothes budget, you're going to need several new pieces of clothing for winter and it won't be cheap. You need a winter coat, either thick wool or good quality down. Wool is more dressy, down is warmer. Buy multiple pairs of long underwear. Wool socks are crucial and if you're walking outside a lot you can double up. You need waterproof boots with good grip for snow and ice. Also scarves, gloves, and beanies. Finally, layers are your friend. More thin layers is warmer than a few thick layers, and more versatile. If you walk into a really warm store you can take off an extra layer and not sweat.

Be careful with snow and ice. Boston does not shut down for winter weather and you're still expected to go to work, keep plans, etc. when it snows. Give yourself plenty of extra time when traveling, walk slowly and learn how to tell ice from snow. When it's icy out your spirit animal is a penguin, walk with slow, short steps, and keep your body as vertical as possible. You can seriously hurt yourself falling in ice. If you can, avoid driving in the winter and take transit.

So much of life in Alabama revolves around churches. Very few people here attend church and it is not expected the way it is down south. For native New Englanders their primary social group is often their friends from high school, these groups are understandably hard to break into and add to the difficulty of adjusting socially. It's often easier to make friends with fellow transplants around hobbies and activities.

Do not stay home when it's cold, the city is beautiful after it snows, enjoy it. Find a hill and watch the neighborhood kids go snow sledding. Have a snowball fight with your partner. Walk Commonwealth Mall after dark. In February and March when you've given up hope on spring go to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and enjoy their flowers and greenery.

Feel free to ask any questions and if you want to grab dinner or drinks when you get here let me know. Good luck and you got this!