April showers bring many things. They bring May flowers. They bring a sense of newness to the air. However, they also bring, as we have recently experienced, ice storms, wet clothing, and a general sense of pessimism. From one University of Waterloo student to another, here are five tips to surviving April showers in Waterloo.
1. Don’t make eye contact with the geese.
Unfortunately, April showers also coincide with mating season for the geese on campus. Avoid eye contact, duck when you see one flying too low for comfort, and be prepared to start running for your life on a moment’s notice.
2. Invest in good quality rain boots.
As somebody who has slipped during an ice storm and shattered a laptop screen, I can say from personal experience that high quality rain boots can make or break a trip into campus (and one’s computer). A word of advice: get a pair with a good grip and walk slowly when breaking them in.
3. Carry your textbooks in plastic bags.
As somebody who has also ruined various courseware packages as the result of a leaky backpack, I can also say from personal experience that wrapping textbooks in a plastic bag or two will ensure that they stay dry enough to resell at the end of the term. Save the environment by reusing your grocery bags and save your bank account at the same time – it’s a win-win situation.
4. Carry snacks.
Waterloo students are all too familiar with the saying “when it rains, it pours.” Don’t be a student stuck on campus during exam season for hours with nothing to eat. Don’t do it to yourself. Don’t do it to other students around you. Don’t do it to the future generations of students touring the campus buildings.
5. Save time on showering.
If all else fails, there is always the option of giving up. Embrace your inner child and walk in the rain without caring about getting wet. Think optimistically: you’ll save the time it would have taken you to shower to study for exams or, better yet, sleep.