Only a few weeks from its end, summer shows no signs of easing up. As DeKalb boils in the midst of a heatwave, many students are trying to keep the sweat off their backs by any means necessary. 

Bottled water, portable fans and the almighty air-conditioning unit are saviors during hot days for many, while others may choose to throw caution to the wind and embrace that heat, soaking in the sun while it is still around. 

While the final days of summer drift away, should we be inside huddled around a fan? Or is it better to shrug off the discomfort and enjoy the heat? For the students of NIU, what is the best way to spend a hot day?

GULPING DOWN WATER

There is no better feeling than chugging down an icy glass of water after a day out under the sun. Whether you are playing a sport, taking a walk or just soaking in the weather, a refreshing drink afterward might be all you need to get back the energy the heat stole away. 

Staying hydrated can be a challenge, however, especially when it means drinking 11–15 cups of water every day – which a healthy adult needs, according to the Mayo Clinic Drinking water is not only refreshing, it can be life-saving. Many heat-induced illnesses such as heat stroke can be prevented by hydrating, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

So if you want to stay healthy while out in the summer humidity, make sure to pump those numbers up! 

LOUNGING BY A FAN

When you are feeling sweaty and sluggish, a fan can be your safe haven. Having just one on hand can make the difference between sweltering heat and crisp, cool air. 

If you are one of the unfortunate souls living in Neptune North or West without an air-conditioned room to return to, a fan might be all that stands between you and a 90-degree heatwave.

HIDING AWAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM

If your goal is to escape the heat, your best bet is to find an air-conditioned room. If you are lucky enough, your own dorm room might have AC, making it a perfect paradise retreat should the heat prove too much. 

However, for the many without air-conditioned rooms, buildings like the Holmes Student Center are useful as a sanctuary from the mugginess we are forced to suffer through. 

EMBRACING THE HEAT

For the more masochistic among us who would rather feel the burn than run away from it, embracing the heat can be a fun, if slightly dangerous, alternative to enjoying a summer day.

Taking walks, sunbathing and, if you are brave enough, playing sports can all be great uses of the little time the sunny season affords us. 

Just remember, even as little as 10 minutes spent outside without adequate protection can lead to sunburn, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Stay safe out there, Huskies!