Summer classes and rainy afternoons go hand-in-hand in Gainesville. Don’t be unprepared for an unexpected rainfall without an umbrella. Keep that life-safer in your backpack all year round and you’ll be grateful you did. But when the rain just won’t stop, here’s some accessories to keep on hand for those rainy days (or even weeks).
Umbrella
I think all UF students can agree on the fact that you should always have an umbrella in your backpack. Bright, sunny skies in the morning doesn’t mean there won’t be a spontaneous downpour right when you get out of class. Don’t be that person walking home from class with a copy of The Alligator as a hair-shield, soaking wet. Buy a small, compact umbrella at Target, TJ Maxx or even the UF Bookstore and keep it stored in your bag.
Rain boots
When one drop of rain falls from the clouds, it’s as if a signal has been sent out to every girl on campus to wear their rain boots to class. Don’t get me wrong-nothing’s worse than wearing sandals during a storm and getting your toes wet. Hunter boots are a popular choice (although, be warned, not that comfortable) but Target always has cute pairs for cheap.
Sneakers
If clunky rain boots aren’t your thing, you can’t go wrong with sneakers. Spots on campus can get really slippery after a sun-shower, so wearing rubber flip flops might not be the best choice.
Rain Jacket
For those cooler-day rainfalls, a lightweight rain jacket will help keep your clothes dry and you warm during class. Being showered in cold rain drops + blasted AC can make you frozen and maybe even sick.
Some more tips:
1. Be wary of taking your scooter. Riding at 30 mph in a sideways rain storm is like being darted at with pin needles. Not fun. My recommendation is to either wait the storm out or catch an RTS bus home.
2. Always be sure to check the weather radar, and see if any storms are headed your way. It’s not accurate all the time, but can give you a good idea of what kind of weather to expect on your way to class.
3. Avoid Panera. No matter how bad you get that craving for warm soup and bread, Panera’s line will be out the door, because everyone else had the same itch. Seek out another sweet, comfy spot if you don’t want to deal with the crowd.
4. Don’t let it ruin your fun! It rains all the time in Florida-you’re going to have to get used to it sooner or later (I say sooner). Rainy days are perfect for relaxing, watching a movie, or staying inside and catching up on that studying (just a thought).
P.S. Just always have an umbrella in your backpack. Always.
