Summer is upon us, and for those who have grown accustomed to the small-town feel that Pullman provides, some may choose not to head home for three months. However, summers in Pullman can be some of the slowest months of the year.

Surviving these months begins with comfort. Most apartments in Pullman lack one crucial thing for hot summers: air conditioning. A mobile AC unit would make life easier and cooler, but more expensive by driving up electricity bills.

Invest in a good fan and some bug traps so the windows can stay open and the air can move freely. Cheap popsicles are your best friend.

Pullman summers are generally synonymous with construction season. Though the town and campus are relatively empty, the roads can become even more congested than usual while they’re being fixed. Know what parts of town are backed up and figure out how to avoid them.

By the end of the long summer you might start hoping for the beginning of the fall semester. To combat this, make sure you find something to fill the days. Get a job, take some classes or even just explore aspects of the Palouse you haven’t had the chance to see.

Many organizations in Pullman offer a variety of activities to keep the summers from droning on. The WSU Outdoor Recreation Center offers over 20 outdoor excursions to places like Kamiak Butte, Palouse Falls and Lake Coeur d’Alene.

“These trips are great for people who’ve never experienced an outdoor trip before,” said Jonathan Stahl, assistant director of ORC adventure programs. “We teach them everything they need to know, they leave with new skills and it’s a great way to try something new.”

The ORC also rents out camping and outdoor gear for those who want the experience, but don’t need the lesson.

Pullman Parks and Recreation offers activities for people of all ages through the summer. Options for the younger ones include day camps of different varieties, game clubs, tutoring options and a multitude of athletic opportunities.

For the rest of us, waltz classes, clay classes and golf and tennis lessons are offered throughout the summer. The schedule for these various events can be found on its website’s online registration page.

Pullman Parks and Recreation also hosts intermittent movie nights and concerts at Reaney Park, as well as events at the Reaney Park Pool.

The most important tip for surviving your time here is to find friends you can create memories with to make the summer great.