The El Nino survival guide

Welcome to Los Angeles, California: the sprawling metropolis where it seems like everyday is a sunny paradise. Few places can compete with the monotonously mild weather Angelenos experience year-round, and frankly, it’s as great as it sounds.

Thin layers, shades, and flip-flops are staples for the California-based student, which makes getting ready in the morning a breeze. However, looming over this casual lifestyle is the constant reminder that we need rain…and we need it badly.

Contrary to popular belief, it does rain in southern California, and when it does it’s a big deal. This is why El Niño (a weather phenomenon that I do not fully understand but somehow causes it to rain more frequently where I live) has caused so much commotion on campus.

Rain not only brings hope that this drought might one day be over, but it also affects our entire lifestyle. From what we wear to how we get from one place to another, we can’t help but feel caught off guard when we encounter the miracle known as precipitation. Hopefully the following tips will shine light on some ways to successfully survive the treacherous yet ever-so-necessary El Niño:

Put away the Rainbows, Havaianas, or any open-toe shoes 

Usually I am a strong supporter of wearing sandals at all times. However this rainy season might make you second guess sporting your Rainbows for your 15 minute walk to class.

There are some obvious safety concerns involved with wearing flip-flops in the rain such as the potential slip and fall. It’s also important to remember that UCLA is famous for its hilly campus, and what likes to come rushing downhill at an alarming rate? Two things: brave bicyclists and muddy water.

Avoid dealing with muddy feet or potentially sustaining an equally painful and embarrassing injury by opting for a more appropriate shoe. Examples of such would be some rain boots or athletic shoes (paired with two pairs of socks also recommended.)

Invest in a $10 umbrella at Ackerman

As much as you want to tell yourself that your hoodie will suffice, an umbrella is a necessity for getting through El Niño unscathed. Luckily, umbrellas are available for sale at Ackerman Student Union for a reasonable price.

For $10 a UCLA student can buy over two-dozen Diddy Riese cookies, a tea at Boba Loca, or an all-you-can-eat feast at a dining hall via Easy Pay. All of these options are extremely enticing, but an umbrella is a gift that keeps on giving. Invest in one next time you are on your way to class in your soaked hoodie wishing it was 70 degrees and sunny outside.

Snapchat the rain (El Niño 2016 geotag included)

If you don’t Snapchat it, did it really happen? It is crucial to let your followers know that you experienced El Niño 2016 instead of staying in your dorm binge-watching Netflix. As frightening as it sounds, it is your duty as a millennial to make the trek to class in order to keep your closest few-hundred friends informed about the weather. Combine your snap with the El Niño 2016 geotag for further clarification and you should be set.

Remember that Uber is your friend

Whether walking to class in the rain is just not for you, or the subtle drizzle you experienced earlier that morning has turned into an apocalyptic downpour, remember that there is always Uber. Yes, the app that makes it possible for car-less UCLA students to actually get out of Westwood might just be your savior this rainy season.

Taking Uber might not be the most cost-effective option for tackling El Niño but it can really come in handy if your walk to class is on the longer side. Also, splitting the fare with friends can make this comfortable option much more affordable. 

Beware the dangers of marble floors

You might think that reaching your destination on campus is the end to all possible dangers in your path. You might even believe that because you managed to get to class without stepping in mud that you’re in the clear. Well think again.

Some of UCLA’s buildings have marble flooring, which is equally as nice as it is hazardous when wet. Your victorious walk down the stairs in Haines Hall could quickly turn into a traumatic tumble down some very hard steps.

If taken into consideration, these steps should successfully guide any UCLA student during their journey through El Niño. As we all know, rain in California is absolutely necessary and it shouldn’t prevent us from enjoying our lives that are too often filled with perfectly sunny weather. Nonetheless, if you’re still not having it with this rainy season just remember that Netflix is there to pass the time.