Imagine sitting in a classroom at Berchmans Hall. Sunlight is streaming in through the window, the harsh rays burning your skin. You’ve already run out of ways to cool down using your Philosophy reading (Habermas can only do so much)—ranging from using it to shield your eyes from the glare, to fanning yourself repeatedly.
Those who’ve had classes in the summer semester might find this experience familiar, and may even admit to having done at least one of those things in an effort to beat the heat.
There’s no denying that March is one of the hottest months of the year, and thanks to the calendar shift, we’re all still going to be in school when the scorch rolls in. Sitting in a hot classroom probably isn’t what you envision for a fun summer, but we have no choice but to power through until May.
Here, Vantage compiles a list of some tips and tricks guaranteed to help you stay cool in school.
- Bring a water/spray bottle
Though this might seem like a typical summer must-have, it’s also the easiest to forget. Staying hydrated is the most convenient way to keep your body cool. Invest in a water bottle that you can bring around in your bag so you can drink anytime, anywhere around campus. If the heat really bothers you, take it a step further and get a spray bottle. All you have to do is spritz a bit of water on your body’s cooling points (e.g. wrist, neck, inside of elbows and knees) to feel cool right away.
- Wear the appropriate clothes
Summer semester used to be an excuse for people to bring out their tank tops, flip flops, and shorts. If you can’t be at the beach, why not dress like you are, right? Since this March is going to be a regular semester, there are also other options that are well within the LS Dress Code. All you have to do is stick to simple, light-colored t-shirts or tops made with cotton, linen, or chambray material.
- Chill in air-conditioned spots around campus
Spend your breaks in air-conditioned places like the old Rizal Library (and check out the Ateneo Art Gallery while you’re at it), the new Rizal Library, and Matteo Ricci Hall. If you want to eat somewhere cold, too, head on to the Cervini Cafeteria in the dorm area.
- Eat food that cools you down
Common sense would be to stick to the food that isn’t so hot. Spicy food and hot drinks help your body cool down to some extent because they cause you to sweat, but there’s no harm in indulging in that cone of dirty ice cream either.
- Try to stay level-headed
The combination of feeling like you’re melting with the stress of academic work might cause you to physically combust. It sounds silly, but a good way to keep cool is to stay calm and stress-free. It’s always healthy to give yourself a break from school work every once in a while.
