Going through rush can be a very stressful time. Between trying to keep your makeup from melting off and talking to 50 different people each day it is hard to keep your head on straight. At the beginning of rush week they give you a little plastic bag that you will carry around all week, and most likely break at some point. After the first day you’ll soon realize that little plastic bag is your lifeline. You can only carry the most important things around with you so you must choose wisely. Here’s a few things that I would most definitely suggest taking with you:

1. Coffee Filters. Coffee filters work in the exact same way as the oil blotting pads except you can buy a ton for way cheaper and they don't remove your makeup. When you’re running around in the heat all day you will most definitely need these.
2. An Umbrella. If you’re from Florida and are rushing in Florida then you know that it can rain at any time. It might just be a 5 minute downpour but it only takes 10 seconds for it to ruin your hair and makeup. The girls at each house will usually understand if you look bad because of rain but you still want to try to look decent, an umbrella is a necessity for rush week.
3. Mints. Mints are better than gum because they dissolve before you begin talking to the girl. With how much you are talking each day you will need fresh smelling breath, trust me.
4. Snacks. Snacks are very much a necessity. When I rushed I literally was running down the sidewalk in wedges shoving cheez-itz into my mouth between houses. You only get lunch during an eight or so hour day, snacks are lifesavers.
5. Makeup. It might sound silly but when you’re 4 hours in and still have 5 houses to go to you will be glad you brought it. Doing a quick swipe of mascara and face powder can rejuvenate you like nothing else.
6. Hairspray/Hairbrush. I rushed in Florida so the humidity was really bad. A little bottle of hairspray and a brush can be a lifesaver when you're trying to keep your curls from falling flat when running from house to house.
7. Water. They will give you water at each house but it is not enough. I had to stop myself from gulping it down like I was a fish out of water. It is so insanely hot each day, bring a water bottle that you can easily refill.

Rush is a week like none other. Packing the right things can help you in so many ways and make the week that much less stressful. Happy rushing!