Sun, Sweat and Studies: Adjusting to the Weather Changes on Campus

0

SADIK, Omolola Rukayat 

Once again, the dry season is upon us. Students are already dealing with the typical signs—chapped lips, dry skin, hot days, sweaty nights, and those annoying mornings that make early classes even more challenging. The weather has taken a noticeable turn. So noticeable that just two days ago, a group of students were praying for it to rain. In their words, they terribly “miss the rain.”

According to an article published by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, the dry season, the period that falls between October and April annually, is accompanied by the dusty northeast winds where midday temperatures can sometimes reach 100F (38C). It is normal to experience harmattan and dry spells during this period. The harmattan usually appears from December to January. 

During this season, there are fewer rainfalls, more sun, and lower humidity. The absence of rain allows dust and particulate matter to accumulate in the air. This can lead to poor air quality, respiratory problems, and skin irritation. In addition, water sources dry up faster and easily. This has negative effects on hygiene and sanitation. The dry vegetation also increases the risk of bushfires, which can be significantly dangerous to the environment.

This season hits differently for students, especially those living in off-campus accommodations. For those living off-campus, water scarcity might become a real headache. Some of our dear Agbowo residents may have to wake up super early to fetch water as wells dry up during this season. The dry weather also affects everyone’s daily routine, from dealing with dry throats during lectures to thinking about ways to combat the occasional hot afternoons. This is the period when those who have mini-fans become celebrities and those who do not have to turn to other options to get blasts of fresh air. 

The dry season is not exactly wonderful for those living in halls of residence either. I vividly remember the neverending “it’s too hot” complaints from my roommates. One of them described the harsh realities of the weather in the words, “Even when one is showering, one is sweating.” In addition, showering at will in the halls is a luxury. The very thought of carrying empty buckets, going down the stairs, walking a required distance to the tap to fetch, and carrying these filled buckets back to one’s room, then to the bathroom numerous times a day simply because one is feeling hot is not a wonderful one. 

Staying Healthy and Comfortable

This is the second semester. Academic activities and student events will be in full swing. Although these hassles are real and intense, we must nevertheless adapt to the season’s demands. So, how exactly do we adapt? The dry season by its nature is harsh, and with this harshness comes a lot of adverse effects on our health and well-being. The dry, dusty air, scorching temperatures, and potential health risks can make life on campus uncomfortable. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself and your health during this season.

Stay hydrated: The season itself is called ‘dry’ season, so your focus should be on ensuring you stay as moist and hydrated as you can. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even when you don’t feel thirsty. You should aim for at least 3 litres per day. You should also consume fruits and vegetables high in water content, like watermelon, cucumbers, and leafy greens. “In the course of patronising hawkers, fruits, vegetables, and other such items must be thoroughly washed before eating to prevent foodborne diseases.”

Protect yourself from the sun: Invest in two important items: sunscreens with high SPF (30 or above) and umbrellas. Apply sunscreen before leaving your room to protect your skin from sunburn. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing to stay cool and comfortable. In addition, you should try to limit your outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day (between 12 pm and 3 pm). However, this might be impossible as you may have classes fixed during these hours, so never go out without your umbrella!

Manage respiratory problems: You should wear a dust mask, especially when you have to engage in an outdoor activity or when you are in a dusty and crowded environment. You should also keep your room clean and free of waste, dirt, and dust. The university management should, in addition, ensure that the school environment is paid the necessary attention. 

In conclusion, every season is accompanied by different hassles. We should not simply adapt to the changing environmental conditions. It is, therefore, our collective responsibility to adopt these essential strategies necessary for confronting the challenges associated with the dry season.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *