Even though summer vacation has officially ended, the heat wave hasn’t left just yet. Bearing the sweltering heat doesn’t have to be a challenge, so if you find yourself struggling to stay cool during these warm weeks, here are a few tips that are guaranteed to help you keep your cool in Berkeley.

Purchase a fan

If your apartment is one of the many unfortunate ones without an air conditioning unit, buy a fan. Having a fan is an inexpensive way to keep your household chill at all times of the day. You don’t have to resort to cracking open a window anymore, so say goodbye to all of the outside noises and bugs.

Carry around a water bottle

It’s important to stay hydrated regardless of the time of year, but special emphasis is given to this time of year when the sun shows no mercy. Having water on hand will not only prevent you from becoming dehydrated, but it will also cool your body down wherever you find yourself journeying to throughout the day. Every time you leave your home, don’t forget to take your water bottle with you.

Wear layers

The cooler temperatures in the morning can be misleading when you walk out the door to your first class. An easy fix to the confusion is to wear layers that you can take off when the weather starts to heat up. You won’t be freezing in the morning, but you don’t have to come home bathed in sweat in the afternoon. It’s the perfect hack to the Bay Area’s fluctuating weather. Pairing jeans with a short-sleeved top or shorts with long-sleeved tops are other ways to prevent your whole body from ever feeling too hot or too cold.

Drink your favorite beverages chilled

Are you a fan of coffee or tea? Instead of resorting to your traditional order, ask for the iced version of your drink instead, if you haven’t already made the switch. You can get your caffeine fix while staying cold — it’s a win-win situation.

Make hassle-free smoothies

Making a smoothie doesn’t involve pulling out your Gordon Ramsay skills — it can be as simple as adding frozen fruit and milk to a blender. Drinking one in the morning before you go to class will keep you full, and cool you down for the hot day ahead of you. Next time you find yourself going to the grocery store, add frozen fruit to your shopping list.

We at the Clog hope these suggestions will make your next trip to lecture easier, breezier and more beautiful.