U of I students trying to stay cool during first week heat wave

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The heat in this week’s forecast is no joke. Students at the University of Illinois campus will be feeling the temperatures rise as the day goes on.

Some students just joining the Illini family say although there may be a million things to think about on the first day of class, your health and safety must be at the top.

“It gets warm here at the U of I, and I’m no stranger to hot summers, I’m from Maryland and this is my third day on campus,” said Anson Cook. “But I’ve learned a thing or two about staying cool in the heat.”

Cook, who’s a freshman at the U of I says it’s a matter of three big things.

“Please stay hydrated. Heat exhaustion is real, and it’s really a lot worse if you don’t have water to stay in the shade and take advantage of air conditioning; there are buildings all around campus. Just go inside. It’s nice,” Cook said. “If you notice yourself getting heat exhaustion or overheating, see steps one and two.”

Freshman Kyara Beltran shared a similar tip for staying cool.

“Stay hydrated, making sure you carry a lot of ice,” Beltran said. “I always pack my water bottle with ice. Carry a portable fan.”

University staff said because some of these buildings were built in the early 1900s, they don’t allow for A/C to be installed, but they have ways around the heat, including cool water and ice stations in residence halls.

There are a lot of air-conditioned buildings on campus to go to when your room is hot, but at night, staff recommend students put box fans in the window to push hot air out, closing the window once it’s nice and cool.

“Stay hydrated…ILL-INI,” Cook added.

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