So, summer is upon us. For some people, it's time to relax, head to the beach, or spend some time with loved ones.

For others, however, it means your brain is in "insert-summer-con-here crunchmode". The summer months will host a large array of cons, from Colossalcon in Ohio to Otakon in Maryland. While you may be excited to attend these summer events, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you have the most fun as possible. Here are a few tips from your favorite con mom, featuring stock images of people making poor desicions that you should avoid.

1. Remember to eat and stay hydrated!

He should have packed a sandwich! Now he'll have to survive on overpriced pocky.

Con food and water is expensive (with one legendary exception), because they know you're going to forget to bring some. Don't fall into their insidious trap. Bring along a bottle of water and some granola bars. If you really want to go the extra mile, make sandwiches for you and your friends (this is something everyone appreciates). Especially during summer months, you're going to get incredibly dehydrated. Take a break from con related activities every once and a while and make sure to keep your body in tip top shape.

If you're planning on going out to dinner the night of the con, it's also a good idea to take a glance at the restaurants around the con center. Then, you'll avoid the inevitable: "Where do you want to eat?" "Uh...I don't know...Where do you want to eat?" conversation. Your friends will appreciate you being prepared. You'll also save time not having to walk around in the summer air.

2. Get enough sleep.

Do not fall asleep on your sewing machine! This can lead to accidents.

We've all gone through the con crunch periods, but they're not a great idea, health wise. Don't wait until the last minute to finish your cosplay. Plan it out over several weeks. If you get it done with time to spare, that will guarantee that you'll have plenty of time to fix it if something goes wrong. You'll thank yourself when you wake up on the morning of the con with a good nights sleep.

3. Don't stay outside too long.

Somebody photoshop a pair of cat ears and a tail on him and a "free hugs" tshirt, and you can pretend he's a congoer.

It is going to be hot outside. Especially if you're going to be in some heavy cosplay (I'm looking at you, fursuiters), it's a good idea to spend as much time as possible in the air conditioned con center. If you have a shoot outside, make sure to drink plenty of water and try and stay in the shade. If you think you're going to be outside for a while, remember to wear sunscreen.

Some cons will also have long registration or preregistration lines that are outside. Make sure to be prepared for that! Think about wearing something light and comfortable while you're picking up your badge, and water is also important.

If you have a health condition that prevents you from standing outside in the heat for extended periods of time, you can talk to security at the cons and they will often accommodate you.

4. Budget your money wisely!

Look mom, I really did need all of those Haikyuu!! prints

I have a hard time with this. You'll come to the con thinking "I'll buy only a few things!" and then thirty minutes into the artist alley and you're flat broke. While I am all for supporting the work of artists, remember that $15 dollar prints can add up. Make sure you know how much you're spending, and what else you might need the cash for (like food, alcohol, or other necessities).

5. Don't trash your con room.

I looked up "trashing room stock images", but sadly this is all that came up. He looks like he would be at a con, though.

I've written an extensive article on this, so I'll simplify it for time's sake. Don't trash your con rooms because it's bad for the con's reputation, it's disrespectful to the employee's of the hotel, and it will piss off your roommates. Nobody wants any of that, so party safely and think before you punch holes in the wall.