Seanette Garcia

For two weeks preceding fall classes, University of La Verne experienced another heat wave with temperatures as high as 112 degrees. For junior Adam Evans, a quick walk over to Founders Hall was unrelenting. In order to avoid the high temperatures, some La Verne students left their non-air conditioned dorms and stayed at local hotels, while others relied on household fans.

Cerina DeSouza
Staff Writer

Rising temperatures, sweating and no air conditioning, oh my! With temperatures on the rise and the Los Angeles Times reporting nearly 30 deaths linked to overexposure to heat, University of La Verne students were unloading cars, unpacking boxes and moving into their new residence halls.

Unfortunately, two of the ULV residence halls, Brandt Hall and Studebaker-Hanawalt Hall, do not have air conditioning.
Residents living in those dormitories were forced to use fans and find innovative ways to remain cool during such a devastating heat wave.

Stu-Han resident Nancy Martinez, freshman criminology major, revealed that her secret to staying cool during the heat wave was to take a damp cloth and place it in the freezer, where she would then place on her stomach.

“I was concerned about the heat because my nose bleeds when it gets too hot,” Martinez said.

While fellow Stu-Han resident Kaily Smith, sophomore psychology major, took the alternate route, as did many other residents, which was to escape the heat by visiting the oasis that we call home and relaxing in the family’s air conditioning.

“Why don’t these buildings have air conditioning?” asked Smith.

With temperatures in the triple digits, it is very important that students, especially those who do not have air conditioning, take a special interest in their own health.

The American National Red Cross Web site created a heat safety checklist explaining how to remain safe during the extreme summer heat.

The best way to beat the heat, according to the Red Cross, is to wear lightweight, light colored clothing to keep the body cool.

Next, is to drink plenty of water and juice even if you do not feel thirsty.
Also, avoid participating in strenuous activity.

If it is necessary, do so in the early morning hours.

An even better way to stay cool is to remain indoors whenever possible.
Most importantly, be aware of your body and seek help if you are showing any signs of heat related illness.

“I am concerned with my health with all of this heat, so I make sure to drink lots of water and get plenty of rest so that I will not get dehydrated,” Erika Barajas, sophomore Brandt Hall resident, said.

With the forecast showing the temperature in La Verne simulating a roller coaster ride, increasing one day and decreasing the next, it is important to take these suggestions seriously and truly pay attention to what your body is telling you.

When asked if they would request to live in Stu-Han next year, both Smith and Martinez said yes with some reservations.

“I wish this building had air conditioning or a pool,” said Smith

“I will only live in Stu-Han next year if I have one of those large fans that are in the hallways,” stated Martinez.

Cerina De Souza can be reached at cdesouza@ulv.edu.