As you might have realized, it is very, very warm in the Netherlands. If you are anything like me, you're probably complaining about the heat and wondering what to do to make the heat more bearable. Well, lucky for you, I have written out 10 great tips on what you can do to be the heat this summer.

1. Swimming in Groningen 

There are different areas in Groningen where you can go to cool off. First, stadstrand (translates to city beach), which is so crowded you don’t even realize there is actually sand. However if you do manage to weave between all the people sprawled across the sand, you might make it into the refreshingly cool pond water (in which the half of Groningen has bathed). There is also the Hoornsemeer/Paterswoldsemeer, which has a lot more laying and swimming space. The only downside to this one is that its kinda gross and filled with blue algae... Lastly, there is the Papiermolen. This is a huge outdoor swimming pool in the city with slides and everything. A great alternative if you don’t like open water (downside - you can see what is floating in the water). Which is your favorite?

2. Find a place that has air conditioning 

Supermarkets, the UB and shopping malls become your new favorite place to chill. Need to do groceries? You’ll end up hanging around for a while because the AH aircon is just too good. The UB is open all summer - make the most of your tuition fees! Bring your laptop and just watch Netflix all day.  Lastly, you might have biked past it on your way to Zernike, thinking ‘ew, Paddepoel, who would ever go there?’ - the answer is you. Paddepoel is air conditioned in the summer. You’re welcome.

3. Complain all day

Want to really blend in with all the locals? All you need to do is simply complain about the heat all day, to everyone. Whether that is your friend, your mailman or the cashier, they will most likely complain together with you. Need some Dutch complaint inspiration? Here are some great complaints that will really help you hit things off with Dutchies.

4. Go on holiday to a warmer country 

Book a flight to Portugal or Spain. It’s warm there too, but now you’ll finally be able to relate. You can also complain to the locals there about how warm it is, and use your own real life examples from in Holland. The plus side to those countries is that they probably know how to deal with the heat better than we do. If you can’t afford the plane ticket, you can also just sit in the sun and close your eyes and pretend you are there. 

5. Hydrate

This isn’t only a tip but an order - hydration is key in this extreme heat. It might seem like the last thing you’d want to do - but drinking warm beverages is actually the way to go, as your body will then try to cool itself off. You should probably be drinking at least twice as much as normal. Seeing as warm drinks will make you sweat even more, you’ll probably want to alter between hot and cold. Keep your body on its toes.

6. Take a walk through the Noorderplantsoen 

The best thing about summer is that literally everyone thinks it's a good idea to go to Noorderplantsoen for dinner. Don’t have dinner plans? All of your friends are busy? Simply walk around the park at around 6ish and you’ll hands down run into at least 5 of your friends. Ask them all for a piece of meat from their disposable BBQ or some pasta salad, and you got yourself a free dinner.

7. Create an air circulation temple 

Last year the Media Markt actually sold out of fans - be the trendsetter and just buy 10 at once, station them all around your room to create a windy paradise. Pro’s - everyone will want to hang out in your room, instant popularity. Con’s - will probably result in a high electricity bill.

8. Find a fun basement to spend your summer in 

Basements are cold and dark, the ideal environment to avoid a heat stroke and sunburns. Most Dutch houses don’t have basements, but maybe you can bribe someone to rent out their wine cellar for the summer. Pro’s - shade, cold, plausible free wine. Cons - you might get lonely.

9. Fry eggs on cars

We’ve all seen it in cartoons - but now is your time to shine. You can actually fry eggs on cars in this heat. This isn't a real tip about avoiding heat, but it is fun. Pros - it saves you extra dishes, it’s fun, it’s efficient. Cons - the car owner will most likely get mad.

10. Accept your fate, and do nothing 

If you are afraid of water and the blue algae, you don't want to spend your summer in Paddepoel or a basement, there are other ways to cool off. My personal favorite tip is: don’t do anything at all. Accept that you cannot escape the heat anywhere. The stiller you sit, the less you will sweat. Dutchies love to use the heat as an excuse not to do things. Once you accept your fate, the typical Dutch rainy weather will return within no time.

Good luck beating the heat, if you have any of your own original tips, share them in the comments!