You will remember it for the rest of your life: where you sat, who you were with, what you wore and how it ended. For many students, the first Cougar football game of the season signals the beginning of the college experience. However, that experience take a turn for the worst if you’re not prepared.

To ensure your day doesn’t end in pain, prepare yourself before the game. The pain of a first loss is up to our boys on the field, but you can at least protect yourself from the burning rays of the sun. As a redhead, I’ve struggled with this my whole life.

Whether you have the same problem will determine how you prepare your skin for game day. While the sun won’t be so sweltering as in mid-August, Mother Nature will ensure hot temperatures at the first home game in early September. You should be old enough to pick out an SPF that fits your needs – don’t be afraid to go for a high number.

Cotton T-shirts dominate the wardrobes of many new college students, but cotton doesn’t breathe well. Before kickoff you’ll be sitting in a drenched piece of cloth you used to call a shirt. Picking up a lightweight polyester-blend option will keep you cooler in the sun, and there are dozens of styles to choose from that show your Cougar pride.

If you like to set your arms free with tank tops, keep in mind that tan (burn) lines can be a painful reminder of your choices.

This applies to makeup and temporary tattoos as well. While temporary tattoos will look cute and festive during the game, they’re really just stencils for some less-attractive tan lines on your face.

Body paint might also cause issues, and unless you want to be stuck with a giant letter across your chest or stomach, be sure to break out the sunscreen early and often. Ladies planning to wear their razorback sports bras might want to rethink that plan as the unfortunate result would become clear the next day.

Now that you’re ready to go, you have only to find a place to sit. Securing a seat is one of the most important parts of game day, and it’s a process that takes time.

The gates into Martin Stadium open 90 minutes before kickoff, and students begin lining up hours before then. If you arrive an hour before the game, you can bet you won’t get anywhere close to the first few rows. To secure seats close to the field and the players, plan to be there at least three hours before kickoff. The first game might be even crazier than usual, so allot more time as your fandom demands.

Once you’ve got your seat, be sure to hydrate constantly. The staff at the stadium sometimes give out free bottles of water during the hotter games, but don’t count on that. Drinking fountains are all over the place, and you can always drop the cash for a souvenir mug full of cold soda.

It’s up to you whether booze is worth bringing to the game – note that it’s illegal. If you opt to smuggle a flask, stadium attendants will eventually find you, and you will be escorted out. Booze is also not a great idea during the warmer games as it dehydrates your body and jeopardizes your health.

Hopefully the Cougs won’t play so poorly that you’ll be driven to drink, but either way it’s in your best interest to save that for the postgame festivities (assuming you’re of age to do so).

Each of these things will make your day in the bleachers a little (or a lot) more enjoyable, all while making the heat less miserable. They’re only suggestions, so feel free to pick and choose what advice to heed, and don’t be afraid to do your own thing.

You’ll remember just about everything from your first game-day experience, so make it as great as you possibly can.