Quelling the diabolical sun: A Summer survival guide

In Dhaka’s summer, the weather chooses violence against humanity. Still, BracU students show up every morning, as if the sun isn’t giving a diabolical smile. 

Transports feel like steam rooms, whereas walking is morning cardio disguised as exhaustion and dehydration. Sazida Nahrin Auhona (Junior, ESS) says, “With the heat turning every commute into a slow roast, maladaptive daydreaming feels like the only escape.” 

Once on campus, how BracU has adapted to the heat is evident. Ironically, classrooms once dreaded are now luxury lounges. Style takes a back seat to survival, and light fabrics and loose fits take over.  Studying, however, is where things truly fall apart. Slides open, motivation high, but within minutes, the brain taps out. Furthermore, around campus, the food carts embrace the heat with flashy lemonade and iced coffee. Afroza Afrin (Junior, SLS) shares, “Having iced tea is mandatory at this point, not out of thirst only but for pure emotional desperation.”

Here is a guide of hope to survive the summer at campus-

A personal survival kit

Water is life, but pairing an electrolyte drink comes in handy to reduce the risk of dehydration. Sadia Marjan (Freshman, CSE) says, “Having to walk a lot in between zones, an electrolyte drink is my go-to every time”.

 A handy fan with a mist can become a trustworthy duo to keep the heat at bay, at least from our faces. Moreover, while commuting or walking to the computer labs, carrying an umbrella could be a cheat code to keep the brain intact before class. Adding sunglasses and a deodorant would level up in ‘being prepared.’

Notes from the experienced

We can look up to countries with heat-prone weather for some combat. In Singapore, shaded routes are taken by students in between classes. We can utilise this tip by avoiding outdoor roamings during break. Japanese cooling neck rings; a simple wet towel around the neck could be a lifesaver. Moreover, we can utilise our resources, such as the library, female lounge, prayer rooms, and the sitting areas between classes to wind down following the Mediterranean folks’ trick of napping through the heat wave. 

Last but not least, be a nerd of weather forecasts to be ‘prepared one’,  not ‘the shocked’.As the heat blaze is upon us, let’s brace ourselves to get on with the rest of the heat days with a bit of ease.