1. Partying is a marathon, not a sprint: When going to a music festival like Coachella, it's vital to understand that you can't take 7 shots and shotgun 5 beers like you would on game day, because you will end up fainting or in a medical tent. It's boiling hot outside, there are 100,000 people walking around, and you need to stay alive for three days to enjoy the entire festival. Pacing yourself is key!
2. Sunscreen is bae: Growing up in Southern California, I always believed that my naturally sun kissed skin was immune to sun burning, but then I came to Coachella and the sun wasn't so kind to me... and then I got a sunburn. It's important to apply this beautiful product to avoid an uncomfortable weekend of burning and itching. Even if you don't think you need sunscreen, you do.
3. Concerts are better when 50,000 people are watching alongside you: I have seen many concerts and live music performances in my life but nothing can compare to watching a band or DJ at Coachella. Something about having more people than imaginable piled into one cramped tent makes the experience so amazingly overwhelming and exciting.
4. You are never too old to have fun: If you look around, there are thousands of people old enough to be parents or even grandparents, jamming and having an amazing time at Coachella. They defy the odds that old people can't keep up with us cool, hip young kids, and I would even bet that they are having the best time of anyone at the festival.
5. Be humble: My parents were nice enough to fly me out from college, buy me both plane tickets and a festival ticket, and let me miss school to attend Coachella and I am supper appreciative of that. Remember that not everyone gets to experience one of the coolest weekends of the year! Give whoever bought your ticket a hug and be thankful. You are at the best place on Earth.
6. Hydrate: Water is the key survival element at Coachella. It can get up to 100 degrees on the grounds, the sun is boiling hot, and people are packed in tight like sardines so you must stay hydrated. If you don't want to pass out and end up in the medical tent, than I suggest you drink boatloads of water.
7. Social media kills your phone battery: We all want to post Instagrams and Snapchats throughout the weekend to show our friends how cool we are and what a great time we are having. Keep in mind, though, that your phone's battery is limited and you want to save it at much as possible. Along those lines, go easy on the social media because it will totally drain your battery.
8. Enjoy the little things: There are so many opportunities for a Coachella attendee to find fun and excitement like watching an awesome DJ kill it at the Sahara tent or seeing a cool piece of art rolling around the grounds. Enjoy all aspects of the festival because there are so many unique experiences that can only happen at Coachella. I suggest you try and take as much in as possible!
