Wayne, Nebraska – While the town of Wayne, Nebraska, recently grappled with a grueling four-day heat advisory, the majority of students at Wayne State College found refuge from the scorching temperatures within their air-conditioned dormitories. However, for the approximately 33 percent of students residing in the two campus dormitories lacking air conditioning, the situation was markedly different. These dormitories, which also lack the necessary electrical infrastructure for window units or portable air conditioners, forced their occupants to employ creative means to stay cool, including utilizing fans, ice, and even seeking respite in air-conditioned common areas, where they shared space with dozens of fellow students.
Millie Jenik, a freshman at Wayne State College, described the challenges faced by students living in these non-air-conditioned dormitories during the heatwave. She recounted how the college’s student center remained open around the clock to accommodate those seeking cooler conditions. Inside the center, numerous students resorted to sleeping on the floor, with some even taking refuge in the lobby. Jenik recalled one student who was so overcome by the heat that he ended up slumbering on a pool table.
Jenik and her roommate devised their own strategies to combat the oppressive heat. They placed two fans in their room, which whirred continuously to provide some semblance of relief. Interestingly, even as the heatwave has passed, they continue to rely on these fans for comfort. Jenik revealed that since moving into their dorm on August 18, she has refrained from using her comforter while sleeping due to the persistently high temperatures.
The challenges faced by Wayne State College students living in non-air-conditioned dorms serve as a stark reminder of the significance of climate control in ensuring a conducive living and learning environment, particularly during extreme weather conditions. As the impacts of climate change continue to manifest, institutions like Wayne State College may need to consider additional measures to provide relief and comfort to all students, irrespective of their housing arrangements.
