There’s this beautiful painted picture of college game days — courtesy of freshman orientation leaders — that seems to infect incoming students with an ‘enthusiasm unknown to mankind.’  I remember daydreaming during orientation of what gameday would be like; there would be lots of tailgating, soft sunlight shining, a cool breeze blowing, and we could wear whatever we wanted.  We were going to chant ‘The Victors,’ take pictures, and it was going to be magical.

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Don’t get me wrong, it’s magical — just not like that.

It’s hot.  It’s sweaty.  If you go a school that has a huge fanbase for football, it’s cramped and people are going to try to take your seats.  Chances are, there are going to be intoxicated people everywhere, and it’s going to be annoying trying to get into the stadium.  Also, if you don’t live in the South, that sun and heat are going to turn into snow and hail real quick (and probably without warning).

However, gameday is still one of the most amazing and exceptional experiences college has to offer (especially considering you’re going to be studying for Calc the other six days of the week).  Here are some tips and tricks to get around the aforementioned negatives of gameday and still get that painted picture the orientation leaders so graciously lied to you about.

1.  ALWAYS check the weather

It sounds pretty basic, but there were quite a few shockers during my freshman and sophomore years (thank you, Michigan), and going out for six or seven hours in the wrong outfit is a quick way to ruin the experience.  

You know what you’re comfortable in for certain weather, so just make sure you know what the weather is going to be like.  If you’re the kind of fan that can make it to the game-winning touchdown wearing shorts in 40-degree weather, props to you — I’ll be in leggings and a hockey jersey further down the bleachers if you need me.

2.  Take your pictures early

You’re a proud fan and you want to show everyone you’re a proud fan; I’m a proud fan too.  But, it’s going to get hot and your hair is going to fall, your makeup is going to smear, or someone is going to spill their drink or food on you.  The best time to get your classic gameday photo is early on — your first stop at a tailgate, outside your dorm, in the parking lot, or right when you get to the stadium, it doesn’t matter.  The earlier the picture, the higher the quality.

3.  After you get the pictures you want, reconsider your hairdo

I’ve tried for the past two years to come out of gameday with beachy waves, and no wand or lethal amounts of hairspray can make this happen, especially if you decide to tailgate.  What I've found to be the most effective (and comfortable) is to style your hair how you want it, take your pictures, and the second it starts to get knotted and you start to get hot, put it up or bust out your handy-dandy baseball cap.  If you’re wearing shorts, just tie it around one of your belt loops so you don’t have to hang on to it.

Two french braids, one french braid, a cute bun, a ponytail, half-up with a bow, whatever your little heart desires.  You’ve got your pictures and you’re still going to look bomb with a braid, so don’t worry about putting it up!  Comfort is key on gameday.

Gameday is still one of the most amazing and exceptional experiences college has to offer.

4.  Stick with your pals

Gameday can be wild, and employing the buddy system in college is nothing to be ashamed of.  Always try your best to go with some friends or a group, that way you have someone to look out for you and vice versa.  It may seem a little childish, but it’s definitely beneficial in regards to safety.  In fact, it’s probably more fun and efficient too, because not only are you bonding with a pal, you also have someone to braid your hair for you!  It’s a win-win.

5.  Hydration and sunscreen are not jokes

For all my fellow red-headed beauties out there, the sun can hurt.  The baseball cap is not enough.  You need sunscreen, and you need to make sure it’s good, because if your stadium is anything like mine, there isn’t any shade and you’re going to be in the sun for a long time.  Also, remember your eyes need protection too, and sunglasses come in many fun colors, which will match your school spirit.

Also, gameday isn’t short, unless you plan on leaving early.  If you’re staying the whole time, make sure you drink lots of water before, during, and after, especially if it’s hot.  You’re already stressed from school — no need to top off the list with dehydration.

6.  And finally, the Gameday Nap

After the game ends, most people just turn their plans into a free-for-all.  There’s nothing wrong with this, you do whatever you want.  But my pals and I have a very effective system in place after games, in which we grab food, head home, and take a nice nap.  The time of the nap varies depending on if you want to go out or not that night, but I’ve found that the nap is crucial for a good attitude later on.  Plus, you should still have plenty of time to have fun, moisturize your sunburn, and clean up — it’ll feel like a whole new day.

Laney Byler is a Communications student at the University of Michigan and editorial intern with bSmart Guide.