Anime Convention Survival Guide
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Anime Convention Survival Guide

Convention season is here and if it's your first time, here are a few tips you will need to know before conquering your first con.

595
Anime Convention Survival Guide
Diamond Bridges

For anime fans across the country, summer doesn't just mean vacation and no school, but it also means convention season is here. Anime conventions are for nerds to gather and share their common interest with other people. Going to an anime convention can be overwhelming for first timers, so here are some tips I think will be helpful before venturing into the world of nerdiness.

Know which convention you want to attend. Depending on where you live, there are many anime conventions of different sizes. There are small conventions that can take place in local libraries or schools. These types of conventions have a very relaxing atmosphere and are good for people who are uncomfortable in large crowds.

On the other hand, there are larger conventions such as Anime Expo in Los Angeles. These type of conventions are usually held in large convention centers and have an extremely fast-paced atmosphere. It can be very intimidating for first-time attendees but still very fun on a large scale.

Don't get too overwhelmed. For first time con-goers, it's easy to drown in all of the excitement of attending your first convention. But planning ahead of time can really ease the feeling of being overwhelmed. Don't feel pressured to cosplay or dress in a certain way. The point of the convention is to have fun, not stress over unnecessary things. Whether you choose to cosplay or not is completely your choice, but feel free to just dress casual and comfortable.

Wear sneakers or comfortable shoes. You will definitely be on your feet for a long time so make sure you wear shoes that you're comfortable wearing. If your cosplay requires you to wear heels or uncomfortable shoes, bring comfortable shoes to switch out.
Plan your day ahead of time. Most conventions will upload a PDF of the event schedule on their website before the day of the convention.

There are so many things to do, such as attending panels, autograph signings, cosplay gatherings, and my personal favorite, the artist alley. But it's impossible to attend every event, even when you're attending for multiple days. Choose the events you really want to attend but also set aside enough time for you to walk around and explore the convention.

From my experience of attending different anime conventions, big and small, there is one thing you should expect. That is you will be spending a lot of money. You will most likely spend a lot of money, even when you didn't plan to. So save up money in advance. You will need money for food, transportation, artwork from artist alley, fandom merchandise, and a lot more expenses. Anime conventions can be very fun but it's not cheap. Trust me, there were times where I told myself I wouldn't spend a lot of money and then went broke by buying posters and buttons.

Stay hydrated and remember to eat. The excitement can cloud your mind to the point where you might forget to drink or eat something. Carry a bottle of water around with you, especially when attending a convention during the summer. From all the walking and the heat from the crowd of people, it is very common for people to pass out from dehydration. I know everything can be so exciting and you don't want to miss anything, but make sure you set time aside to sit down and eat something.

These were some of my tips on surviving an anime convention. Hopefully, you will find these tips useful to have a great and safe convention.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

45320
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

28659
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953211
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

160111
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments