Archeology lifehack for rookies
Hello fellas!
TLDR; I am doing an ernty course, so what are some lifehacks that you would share with students going to their first campaings / graduates who take their first field job? whats good to have always closeby? whats the best tool and such. thank you already <3
For anyone who wants some context:
I'm working in Germany, and contrary to the stereotype of everything being overregulated, archaeology students here often don't receive a proper health and safety briefing through their university. In theory, they should get one from their employer before starting any fieldwork, but in practice many employers (especially universities and institutes) are surprisingly neglectful when it comes to this matter.
This doesn't just cover general site safety. It also includes things like insurance, your right to refuse unsafe work, basic labor laws, accident insurance, and what you're actually covered for if something goes wrong.
I was honestly surprised by how many qualified archaeologists I worked with had no idea that some of the practices they considered "normal" were actually illegal and could leave them with nothing but standard health insurance, a huge amount of debt, or worse. So, if you haven't already, it's probably worth looking into your own country's regulations as well.
Because of this, I'm giving a two-hour lecture for first-year students before they head out on their first excavation or construction-site project. A few more advanced students are joining as well.
Finally to the conclusion: To end on a lighter note, we're putting together a list of useful tips and a "I pack my bag before my field season".
So, what's one piece of advice, life hack, tool, lesson and sum such you'd tell a student and people in general who dig the first time in your soil of speciality?