Dealing with Melbourne’s scorching summer
DON’T let the summer get the better of you. Trinity College Foundation Studies students Will Zhang, Carrie Xu and Intan Tanuwijaya asked the locals for advice on dealing with the heat.
Students who hail from a region that’s not accustomed to extreme heat need to be prepared for the Melbourne summer, and who better to seek advice from than the locals? Here are their top tips for dealing with Melbourne’s summer.
Protect your skin with sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must in Australia, and non-negotiable if you’re going to be outdoors for an extended period of time. Protect yourself from the harsh UV rays that not only causes sunburn, but also increases your chance of getting skin cancer, especially if you are very fair.
Don’t forget your sunglasses
Beyond being a fashion accessory, sunglasses for your eyes is like sunscreen for your skin, and is another must-have for summer. Continuous exposure to UV rays can lead to the development of cataracts over a long period of time.
Consult your weather app before heading out
It might be a better and safer idea to stay indoors on a 40-degree day – so remember to check the weather forecast before heading out. With Melbourne’s reputation for having four seasons in one day, it will also help you prepare for rain or an unexpected cool change, in which case you would want to have an umbrella or light coat handy.
Keep mozzies and flies at bay with insect repellent
If it’s your first Australian summer, don’t say we didn’t warn you about flies and mosquitos. They are the most active in summer, and you can keep these annoying pests at bay by using insect repellent.
Cool-off at the beach
A great way to cool off and enjoy the summer with friends and family is by visiting the beach. Take a dip in the sea, or try activities such as surfing. Just remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses!
In addition to these tips, remember to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, and plan your summer activities wisely.
This story was produced by Media and Communication students at Trinity College Foundation Studies as part of Meld’s community newsroom collaboration. Education institutions, student clubs/societies and community groups interested in being involved can get in touch with us via meld@meldmagazine.com.au.