San Diego Comic-Con is right around the corner. This is not only one of the largest geek events of the year, but for Professors Jason and Ashley this is our big return for SDCC for the first time since 2019. It’s exciting to be making our big return and a nerve wracking experience given how the world has changed since then.
We’ve gone to so many San Diego Comic-Cons at this point we’ve developed a system of tips and tricks we find useful every year. As usual we encourage you to make a list and follow it as much as you can because it’s going to be an amazing and overwhelming experience. Ashley has a prep list she follows (inspired by Giannina Gibelli), for every trip she goes on.
Here are some San Diego Comic-Conn specifics:
Bring all the basics - dress for warm weather, but with a rain coat. Some years it rains or it rains for a single day and there’s nothing worse than strutting around in wet running shoes on the convention floor. Ashley always brings her Converse shoes and Jason is known to wear his Superman shoes to many a comic convention.
Pack up all your basics in a good backpack! Laptop sleeve, beverage holder, and well-padded shoulder straps are a must. One of the most efficient ways to get through San Diego Comic-Con in one piece is to travel light and keep as many essentials on your body as possible. When you think of San Diego Comic-Con you probably think of the iconic branded bags the convention provides at check-in, but allow us to assure you as veterans of the event, they are not friendly on the back or shoulders after five long days of non-stop nerdery! In addition to the backpack we’ve previously recommended this Marvel Travel Cup with Straw which is good for hot and cold beverages.
And, Students, you know you are going to need to hydrate throughout!
One of the best cost-saving measures for San Diego Comic-Con is to bring you own food. The city raises the costs of everything throughout the week of SDCC. The easiest way to combat this is to bring your own food. Folx will tell you to shop at the Ralph’s in the Gaslamp District, however it’s a common spot for geeks, so if you have the ability to bring food with you from home do the shopping early and bring your amenities in a cooler! Then break it up day-to-day with what you need. This is also a much more effective way to make sure you’re getting adequate nutrition. You might be hearing your parents voices echoing through your head as you read this, but San Diego Comic-Con is a marathon, Students, and we ant you to make it out happy AND healthy!
Plus, with the money you’ve saved on buying food you have more chances to snap up the exclusives!
Chargers can also make or break you San Diego Comic-Con experience! Although cell phone service and internet access is a mixed bag at the convention outlets are plentiful from the convention center to the hotel to event spaces across the city. Keeping your devices charged is always the most important order of business. Whether you’re a fan or working access to contacts, cameras, and directions is paramount. If you forget everything else make sure you bring your charger!
photo credit: Cameron Rice Photography
As a back up bring a wireless charger for your nerves.
The following is only for the Hall H enthusiasts who are prepared to stay out overnight to make it to the big announcements. You can take this advice with a grain of salt because neither Jason nor Ashley has ever done this - but we think you should bring a sleeping bag! Even a small one or a blanket or a yoga mat will provide relief from the San Diego night.
And last but not least - share some Mind University Pride with the badass Geek History Lesson shirts, bags, and swag!
head image courtesy of Vlada Karpovich via pexels