This past Wednesday, the lineup for he 2017 Vans Warped Tour was announced. Although it had been leaked a few weeks prior, there was a lot of excitement around the announcement and the accompanying concert. I, personally, am beyond excited for Warped Tour! There's so many bands I can't wait to see and hopefully meet.

My first time at Warped Tour was back in 2014. I met so many bands, including Parkway Drive and Motionless in White. I saw Yellowcard and Of Mice & Men (with Austin Carlile, thank god). It was a crazy experience. I remember the weeks and months leading up to Warped that I spent reading articles on what to wear, what to bring, how to meet the bands, and how to make the most out of the day. I know that a lot of people are going to be going to Warped for the first time and this is a consolidated "survival guide," if you will, for all the rookies.

It is so hot.

The first time I went to Warped, it was cloudy. I still got sunburnt and sweat more than I ever thought I could. When I went in 2015, the sun was shining, I got so sunburnt I could only wear gym shorts for two weeks, and it was so hot I almost passed out from heat exhaustion. Mind you, I ate and drank all I possibly could, it's just so hot. Thankfully, we're not in Arizona or California for Warped, but let's face it. Middle July in Connecticut is hot, humid, and overall disgusting.

Remember to drink. You can bring in un-opened water bottles, or an empty refillable bottle. There are "refill stations" set up across the venue that provide free water bottle refills. The stations close one to two hours before Warped does, so keep that in mind and remember to fill up before they close.

Bands are everywhere.

Literally, everywhere. You're surrounded by tents filled with merch, meet and greets go on all day long, and yes, band members will be walking around. I've met so many band members by walking up and starting a conversation with them. If they look like they're in rush, try to leave them alone because you don't want to make them late, or create a mob scene.

Meet and greets are also great ways to meet bands. Some of them are limited to a certain number of people, and that changes by venue and band. The best way to find out about when your favorite bands will be hanging out and signing is to check their social media accounts that morning.

Bands all over the place means music all over the place.

Warped will make you very good at compromising. With seven stages, you are going to run into the heartbreaking scenario of your two favorite bands playing at the same time. It's inevitable, it's sad, but you have to make a choice and there's really no easy way to do that, so good luck.

Dress accordingly.

Warped is all about the music and self-expression, so as easy as it maybe to look at someone and wonder why they thought they're outfit was a good idea, remember that they're there for the same reasons as you. I've seen people in all black, jeans and a denim or even leather jacket, and I've also seen people in clothes that look more like bathing suits.

I personally have always stuck with shorts (with pockets), a tank top, Vans (wear an old pair, they get dirty), and normally a hat and sunglasses. Bring a bag too. I've brought a full backpack and it was horrible because it kept getting caught on people in the crowd. Find a durable drawstring bag and that should serve it's purpose.

Try to wear clothes that you don't mind ruining. Hartford is especially dusty and the dirt will cake into your skin and clothes. If you go into a mosh pit, you'll probably fall and either rip your clothes or they'll get extremely dirty. If you crowd surf, you'll want to make sure everything is covered because people will be touching you and you will be airborne.

Since you're bound to forget, here's some reminders.

Bring portable chargers, charing cases and even your phone charger so you can always make sure you have enough juice in your phone.

You can bring in unopened, brand new sunscreen. If you open it in front of a large group of people, they will all flock to you and use your sunscreen. Bring sunscreen and make the next day a little more bearable.

Eat and drink. You'll bring money for t-shirts and CDs, but bring money for food too. If you feel faint or sick and you've been eating and drinking, go to First Aid and they can help you from there!

Warped is a beautiful experience. Even if you only like a handful of bands that are on the lineup this year, I would still push you to go just so you can experience it all.