【Lily LaBeau Archives】

On a painfully hot day in May 2015,Lily LaBeau Archives I donned a long black gown and stood for hours in a field of uncomfortably wet grass while sun burned my cheeks and humidity wreaked havoc with my hair. Was I prepared for life? Definitely not. But there I was anyway, graduating college.

It you're reading this, you're probably about to graduate, too. Congrats! All those early morning classes, the hours spent taking notes until your hands cramped, and the hundreds of lectures and late-night cram sessions are finally about to pay off.

Once finals are over just one thing stands in the way of you and that sweet, sweet diploma: A long as hell and incredibly boring graduation ceremony.

SEE ALSO: 7 ways to take the perfect graduation picture

What's that, you say? The ceremony is the easy part? Think again. If your only plans before the big day consist of returning overdue library books, watching graduation episodes of your favorite TV shows, picking up your gown, and deciding on an impressively witty decoration for your cap, you're in for a hard lesson. These ceremonies are not something you should attend without preparation.

Luckily, I'm an experienced graduate, and I'm here to tell you there areways to survive — and dare I say even enjoy —graduation.

Here are six pieces of advice to help you make it through the final stretch.

1. Check the weather

First things first: Look into how Mother Nature is going to be celebrating your big day and plan accordingly.

If the forecast indicates a hot and sunny day, remember you're going to be clad in a massive gown. Wear something light and cool underneath. Consider applying sunscreen, and bring a stylish pair of shades so you don't have to hold a program in front of your face.

Students at University of Southern California's graduation ceremony sitting in sun. Credit: Brian Vander Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

If it's cloudy or rainy, odds are the ceremony will be moved indoors. Though it might not feel like it at the time, that's probably a blessing. Who wants to sit in a damp mist for hours, or be forced to wear a plastic poncho? Not I. Also, if you're outside in mild weather or inside an auditorium, consider dressing in light layers.

2. Bring a self-care package

Let me introduce you to a little something called a fanny pack. You may have heard of these innovations and are likely under the impression that they’re embarrassing, but who cares? They're useful and totally back ~in~ now according to a bunch of hot, young celebrities.

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The allmighty fanny pack. Credit: Katya_Havok via getty images

Though these body pouches can be a bit unsightly, they'll be hidden under your gown so no one will even see them. Who cares if they're awkward to access? They're perfect for toting treats and tools to help make your ceremony infinitely more enjoyable.

Some suggestions on what to pack:

• Snacks

• Gum

• A tiny brush/travel-sized hairspray/hair ties

• A small battery-powered fan (depending on the temperature)

• Tissues for crying/allergies

• Advil for potential headaches

• Earbuds (if you're in the mood to really zone out or want a better soundtrack than "Pomp and Circumstance")

• An inspiring photo (like one of Mom, the Obama family, Beyoncé, or Chris Evans as Captain America)

It doesn’t even have to be a fanny pack. I wore a cross-body purse under my graduation gown for the sole purpose of holding my phone, since my pocket-less dress was useless. Looking back, I deeply regret not stocking it with more goods.

3. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

It's important to think positively, but when it comes to graduation prep, make sure to think of at least a few things going wrong during the ceremony. This will help you brainstorm ways to prevent them from happening.

Worried you'll fall while walking up to the podium? Leave the fashionable shoes for photos and opt for a comfortable pair. Scared your phone's battery will run out and you won't be able to take photos or get in touch with your relatives? It's time to invest in a portable charging case, my friends.

4. Remember. To. Hydrate.

I know I sound like your mom, but you HAVE TO DRINK WATER OMG. You might have to stand in the heat for hours, and if you spent the night before partying — which you should notdo but you are probably goingto do — you'll need to replenish your fluids.

Via Giphy

Have extra room in your fanny pack? Perfect. BRING WATER. The miniature bottles my university left under everyone’s chair were cute as hell, but hugely ineffective. I spent the ceremony parched, feeling like I could pass out at any moment.

5. Make a plan with the fam

Hundreds of people are graduating alongside you, which means hundreds of family members will be there in support. After the ceremony ends, the campus will be utter chaos, which means it's important to make a plan with your family members and friends ahead of time.

Choose a significant landmark where you can meet, and if you need anything post-ceremony — like a change of shoes, because remember, you're wearing the comfortable ones — kindly ask someone who's not graduating to bring it for you. (After all, it’s your day.)

6. Remember to enjoy yourself

The ceremony is long, sure, but graduating doesn't happen every day! Take time to reflect upon the hard work that led you to this hot, metal folding chair in the middle of a lawn, and pat yourself on the back.

Via Giphy

Listen to the commencement address, text your friends and loved ones commentary if they're not sitting near you, and admire the silly graduation caps of peers. Record video, take a selfie, and don't be afraid to document your achievement. Then, after you've survived the ceremony ... celebrate.

Congratz young graduates! 🎓🎉🍾

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