Hi, my name is Lauren, and I am from San Diego, California. My hometown is America's finest city--the weather is consistently sunny and warm, and the beach is only seven minutes away from my house. Better yet, San Diego rarely has rain (or any other variation of weather). I currently go to school at USC in Los Angeles, California. The weather here is relatively similar to home except it is marginally hotter since it is further in-land. For the past three days in Los Angeles, it has been pouring rain. Not sprinkling or scattered showers, but heavy rain--the kind where the rain drops leave your clothes and shoes soaking wet.

As a Southern Californian, I came to USC ill-equipped. Most of my friends from the East Coast and Pacific Northwest came prepared with rain coats and umbrellas while I was left empty-handed. I learned a few things about surviving the weather as a college student on a budget. Now, for all my fellow Southern Californians (or, warm-blooded readers) who do not know how to deal with the rain, I'll outline some tips that will help you make it through dreary days in one piece.