Put your shades on!

It's summertime! You know what that means? The birds are chirping, the ice cream van is out, but you can't forget your suncream.

Sun safety is essential, especially for long campus days and picnic parties with your mates.

Staying cool in hot weather 😎

With warmer temperatures rising, you might become a bit more 'hot and bothered' than usual. It can get humid in communal spaces, and it can be a struggle to sleep. But don't worry, here's some tips and tricks to help you keep cool.

✅ Keep rooms cool by closing blinds/curtains during the day: Keep a fan on to circulate the airflow and keep your room temperature cool.

✅ Wear cool, light clothing: Heavier t-shirts/clothing tend to stick to you more in hot weather and can often cause you to feel warmer.

✅ Drink plenty of water and other cool drinks: Avoid teas and coffees during the day.

At night:

😴 Take a cold shower before bed

😴 Consider using your duvet cover instead of the whole duvet

😴 Open windows at night for ventilation

Summer tip: Fill half of a water bottle with water and leave it in the freezer overnight. In the morning, fill the other half, and you've got icy water to keep you cool throughout the day!

Staying safe in the sun ☀️

Are you familiar with the 5 S's of Sun Safety? If you're spending the day outside, then listen carefully:

• SLIP: Remember to wear light layers or even a thin scarf to protect your arms and shoulders. It'll reduce your chances of sunburn when the UV is high!
• SLOP: ALWAYS apply suncream at least 20 minutes before you go outside. More importantly, keep applying it throughout the day.
• SLAP: Pop on a wide-brimmed hat (yes, a bucket hat) to protect your face, ears and neck. You can also wear a cap, but it won't really protect your neck and ears.
• SEEK: Find shade whenever you can during the day. Whether it's wandering into a shop for 10 minutes or sitting under a tree. It's very important to take breaks from direct UV exposure (11 am-3pm are usually peak UV times). This can prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke, as well as sunburn.
• SLIDE: Slide those shades on like you're an undercover detective (you're gonna look so cool). Seriously though, make sure you're protecting your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses.

We know it can be tempting to rush outside when the sun comes out, but you can't forget your sun safety! Make sure you're drinking water regularly and applying suncream before you head outside.