Coachella Fest main stage in 2007. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

Top Ten Tips to Surviving Coachella Festival 2008

By: Anna Altheide

Posted: 4/7/08

That time of year has rolled around once again - the world renowned Coachella Fest is coming to Indio. Surely there are a few hundred College of the Desert students prepping for a weekend filled with music and partying. Here are a few tips, courtesy of The Chaparral, to keep you on your feet while you're there.

1. Drink Water: The Coachella Fest doesn't allow concert goers to bring in their own water. By the time April 25 rolls around, the temperature here in the desert can easily reach 100 degrees. Save cash by keeping your water bottle and refilling it. Hot weather equals dehydration, and you wouldn't want a little thing like heat stroke keeping you from enjoying yourself to the fullest.

2. Pack Sun Block: You live in California, you're going to be out in the sun, and you want that perfect tan to compliment the one you got on Spring Break. Protect your skin and put on the block. Your skin will thank you later in life.

3. Dress with Sense: We reccommend you dress light during the day, but pack a long sleeved shirt for the evenings, if you're planning to camp out or stay a little later. Desert temperatures are notorious for dropping ten to fifteen degrees once the sun goes down. For the day time, pack a hat and reasonable, comfy shoes that you can stand in all day. (Converse sneakers should be worn at your own discretion).

4. Bring Cash: Food costs, especially at festivals like Coachella. Bring plenty, but don't leave it hanging out of your wallet or pocket. Cash broke young persons just like you might get desperate and pick-pocket.

5. Get Used to Waiting: Coachella Fest is not what you'd call a "local event." Expect to wait in lines from the moment you get there. If you want to get up close to your favorite artist, don't push your way up to the front, unless you want to be torn apart by hundreds of diligent, patient fans who sat through the previous artist's set.

6. Don't Burn Out Quickly: Half the fun of going to a festival of any kind is to drink, have fun, and be merry, but as we've said, the Coachella Valley is already scorching hot by late April. Do you really want all that extra sweat that goes with packing in the booze? Save yourself the early frustration and wait until the sun goes down. That is, if you're twenty-one, and know a responsible driver.

7. Pack an Itinerary: There are tons of things to do at the Coachella Fest, but if you only have a one-day pass, use your time wisely. If you've been waiting all year to see Death Cab for Cuties, you might have to get there pretty early. However, don't limit yourself. Walk around, visit some of the exhibits, meet new people, buy some merchandise, and see things you've never seen before.

8. Bring Extra Film, Batteries, and/or Memory Cards: Video recording devices are not allowed past the gate, but with a still camera you can snap to your heart's delight. Keep your camera (especially your batteries) in a cool, safe place to avoid melting. Make sure to keep your phone well charged in case you need to make a phone call, which brings us to our next point…

9. Communicate With Your Friends: Imagine being with a group of friends, enjoying the festival, and the next minute, they've disappeared. Make a plan, double check cell phone numbers, and decide early on where to go if you're suddenly alone. Default meeting points that are easy to find and easy to remember are a must.

10. Have the Time of Your Life: Remember, people literally come from all over the world to experience the Coachella Fest. It's all about the music, having fun, and gaining new experiences. And aren't you lucky for having a warm bed to come home to at the end of the day?