Lately, the weather has been unusually warm in SoCal during March, with temperatures reaching up to 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Being on campus in the heat is definitely challenging, but with a few simple strategies, you can stay cool and comfortable throughout the school day.
Before leaving the house, make sure you dress smartly. Wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton can help your body stay cool. Short sleeves and loose-fitting clothes can also help prevent sweating and overheating. Even though a common fashion statement is wearing dark colors, wearing lighter colors is better suited for hot, sunny weather because they reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it.
¨I feel like every time I see one of my friends wearing a long sleeve or like a black shirt when it´s really hot, they always tell me at the end of the day how much they regretted it,¨ says Carol Marillin, a CNUSD student.
Bringing a water bottle or a drink with lots of electrolytes is also very important. Avoid drinking drinks like coffee or any sugary drinks, since they can actually dehydrate you faster. It´s better to just drink water regularly, even if you´re not thirsty, and remember that drinking up to eight cups of water a day is recommended to stay hydrated. If you run out of water at home or totally forget, that´s okay! On the main campus, there are communal water cooler stations that students and staff are free to use at all times. They´re usually by the burrito or the pizza line, so you can get a drink with your lunch. There´s also paper cups by them if you don´t have a reusable water bottle of your own.
Staying hydrated is important, but many students also bring cooling accessories to help make it through the school day. Small portable fans, umbrellas to block the heat, or even small misting sprays to bring in your bag are good options to have for when it´s sunny.
¨Yeah, you can never go wrong with helping yourself out. It´s always better to be doing too much than to let yourself get baked by the sun,¨ says Nicole Chen, a student from San Diego.
