If you have ever been a student who wanted to jam in credits so that you could graduate in four years, or you are an adult who wanted to finish up a degree, then you most likely have encountered the ever mysterious night course. This strange six to 10 p.m. beast is enough to make you wonder why you wanted to graduate, but it also holds a fantastical allure that makes all of your other day classmates wonder what really goes on after hours. I'm here to tell you all of the juicy details about what happens after dark.
1. The first few classes are filled with awkward silences...
Nobody wants to be the nerd who answers the first question. As far as anyone knows, in this night course everyone is a "cool adult." No one wants to out themselves as the young college student.
2. Inevitable group projects...
Teachers seem to think that this is the answer to every unsolved problem, but as a class where no one knows anyone, springing this idea on the first night is brutal.
3. Being outed as the one who does not belong...
You feel like you have betrayed everyone, and that you have also been betrayed by the teacher you thought was really cool. "Yes, I take day classes, too...and I'm only 21..."
4. Feeling like this halfway through class...
Half of us have been in class all day and the other half has been at work. Five-hour classes in the middle of the night deserve an hour nap break.
5. Learning to prepare yourself for the long haul...
Some of us are lucky enough to have a coffeeshop on campus. The rest of us need to take matters into our own hands.
6. Mastering the skill of multi-tasking...
Three weeks in, every student knows how to listen just enough to get by. It is a proven fact that nobody can hold your attention for five whole hours.
6. Sometimes you get snacks...
If you have an especially awesome night course teacher, you will get free food. In my years, I have gotten doughnuts, candy, and the occasional juice box. Night class teachers please take note.
7. When you try to cram right before class...
You find that no matter how much time you have, you will never be able to catch up on the reading you forgot about.
8. But you learn pretty quickly that you can fake it until you make it...
Your new relationships with the people in your night course will form a tight bond. You help them in a pinch, and they will have your back when you need them.
9. You meet a lot of interesting people from different backgrounds...
Not only are there future doctors and lawyers in class, but students from Russia and Nigeria!
10. Professors want you to use their first name...
Night class professors realize a majority of the class are returning adult students. This means they want to level the playing field by making everyone seem equal.
11. "Everyone take a 15 minute break"...
The most coveted time of the entire night class experience. Refills on coffee, a trip the bathroom, there may even be time for a power nap.
12. When it hits 10 p.m. and the professor is still talking...
We know that what you are saying is valuable, but then again so is sleep.
13. When finals are done and you realize it is really over...
The reality is that these people you met were only close to you on Monday nights. It is the end of an era.
14. When eight weeks feels like eight years...
Night classes are done in half the time of regular classes but with the same amount of work. By the time you finish, you forget that you now have eight more weeks of freedom.
15. And finally what every night class leads to...
Happy night learning!
