3 years ago, I was just like you - A young, innocent music-lover preparing for their first summer festival. My best friend and I had one-day passes to Lollapalooza, in hopes of seeing KONGOS live. Honestly, I had no idea what I was in for, but needless to say, it was one of the greatest weekends of my adolescent life. I fell in love with the entire atmosphere of Lollapalooza - from the music to the people to the city. Now, I am preparing for my third, and sadly final, year of Lollapalooza.

Looking back, I wish I would have done some research prior to getting to Chicago that first year. I have created a brief list of important things to remember while at Lollapalooza to help you navigate one of the best and biggest music festivals in the world. Let's get started! 5, 6, 7, 8…

1. Shorten Lollapalooza to Lolla. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

2. If you are coming to Grant Park from the Chicago suburbs, consider purchasing the Metra Lollapalooza weekend pass. It will save a life.

3. For my out-of-towners: Avoid CTA public transportation during peak concert hours. (Remember: Every Lolla-goer has a free Uber code, so take advantage of it!)

4. Get extra room keys if your hotel offers, just incase someone looses them.

5. No sleep = no fun. Power naps are your friend.

6. With that being said, if you are attending the festival with friends, establish a designated meeting spot and time each day. Trust me, getting lost at Lolla makes you feel like you are a sad, lonely puppy trying to find your way home.

7.Pack and dress like you would for a small camping trip (blankets, water bottles, hats, fanny packs). It’s a jungle out there.

8.But also remember to get into the fashion of Lolla. This is one of the few times it is socially acceptable to wear a flower crown in public.

9. Shop the Lolla Store as early as possible and know what you want. All of the clothes and items are high quality, so everything goes fast.

10. If you are like me and love being close to the stage for the headliners, get to the set as early as possible. This might mean no food and drink for awhile, so make a plan!

11. Bored in between concerts? Don’t forget about all the awesome vendors and exhibits at Lolla. From the FYE Autograph Tent to the Time Warp anniversary monument, there’s always something to see.

13. Consider activating Lolla Cashless, so you don’t have to carry a wallet around all day. (There is a kiosk right in front of Buckingham Fountain that is open all throughout the festival.)

14. BRING A PORTABLE CHARGER. Did you really go to Lolla if you didn’t Instagram it?

15. Take everything in at Lollapalooza. You’re only young once and this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.