You hear it all the time before, during, and after THON: Staying hydrated during the weekend is key to anyone’s survival. However, THON attendees often don’t realize how hot and dry the BJC can get until it’s far too late. Here’s some tips for how to survive the weather during perhaps the dryest season of the year.

Bring a water bottle with you everywhere. It seems pretty self-explanatory, but you wouldn’t believe how many people get so caught up in the THON atmosphere that they forget to do the one thing crucial for their survival this weekend: stay hydrated. Losing your voice and ending the weekend with a sore throat is inevitable; however, drinking water constantly will lesson the harsh aftermath.

Bring a water bottle for your water bottle. Seriously, just do it; Even if you don’t think you need it, you do.

Don’t pick up that soda, Gatorade, or coffee. Drinks packed with caffeine and sugar, though providing you with a temporary energy boost, will not help your hydration in the long run. In fact, you’ll suffer from a major crash near the end of the weekend (and no one wants that during the final four hours). As time goes on, these drinks will likely become more and more enticing — do yourself a favor and resist that urge.

Keep applying that Chapstick. You’ll be moving your lips almost constantly during THON; Singing, shouting, and using your voice in pretty much every way imaginable is all a part of the THON experienced. That being said, chapped lips and a dry mouth could possibly put a halt to your fun. Spend the $1.99, stick it in your bag, and reapply it constantly throughout the weekend.

Avoid salty or dehydrating food items. While the soft pretzels and french fries served at the BJC are the epitome of appetizing, enjoy these salty, starchy foods sparingly. They’ll dry your throat out more quickly than you might think. Consider alternatives such as a fruit or a protein-packed granola bar.

Dress in layers. Throughout the weekend, you’ll be surprised at how often your internal body temperature will seem to change. During those 46 hours, the last thing you want to do is be uncomfortable because you chose the  wrong clothes. If you find yourself feeling overheated, you’ll be relieved when you’re able to change those pants into gym shorts.

Know when it’s appropriate to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. This may make you squirm at first, but take our word for it. Of course, staying sanitary in a room filled with thousands of people is vitally important, and you’ll need to be washing your hands often. However, washing your hands too often, using too much soap, or applying skin-drying hand sanitizers can dry out your skin and cause a lot of irritation. Be mindful of this, and consider sticking a mini lotion into your bag for a quick fix.