12 Days of Hackmas: 10 Things to Bring to a Hackathon
By Janet Fang
Never been to a hackathon before? Don’t know what to bring? Just think of it like a sleep over! On the third of Hackmas we bring to you: 10 things you HAVE to bring to a hackathon!
1. DashDoc: Nice jumble of everything API related that you’ll probably need/want at a hackathon. (Editor’s Note: Dash is a commercial app, but until December 1st HackingEDU participants can use it for free!)
2. Spare Chargers: In case your friends/teammates pull a stupid and forget theirs or if you lose your main one.
3. Earphones: No explanation needed here. Shia Lebeouf it.
4. Laptop + Phone + Chargers: Are you here to hack or nah? (We don’t judge you slackathon slackers.)
5. Deodorant: Please don’t be smelly. Spend a few bucks to save a thousand noses. No jokes here.
6. Toiletries: You want to stay clean and not get musty/gross. Grossness tends to turn judges off.
7. Sleeping Bag: For sleeping!!! And in case all the couches/places to sit are taken.
8. Backpack with tech slots (bonus points if you have a zipper lock): You want a backpack to store anything that you’re not using and it’s not unheard of for items to be stolen at any large event. If you’re attending a hackathon, you’re probably bringing some expensive gear that you don’t want to go missing, like your laptop. Or… to take home all the swag you’re getting!
9. Warm clothes/layers: Especially advised for hackathons during the winter.
10. Extension cords: Sometimes you won’t be able to get the spot right next to a vital power source. Having no power at a hackathon is like going to a rave without something that glows.
These are the essentials to any good hackathon experience. Any mandatory items that we haven’t listed? Comment below!
