Mornings are a criminally underappreciated part of the day in college life. The unsavory reputation probably comes from the fact that mornings are the first thing we're exposed to when we're forced out of bed, but that ugly truth isn't enough to overshadow the benefits an early rise can bring to the table. Here are a few reasons why getting up early is the right way to go.

1. Peaceful walks to class.

Don't get me wrong I really enjoy going to a massive school like the University of Minnesota. That being said, I'm much less enthused about the crowd when I'm trying to walk to class and the sidewalks are packed like sardines. I've found the best way around these types of situations is to head out early while the streets are nice and quiet. Then you can get some other work done as you wait for the classroom doors to open.

2. Sunrises.

Sunrises are just objectively better than sunsets. The cold morning air mixed with the natural warmth of sunlight makes for a lovely atmosphere, while the aftermath of a sunset only leaves you with city lights. The only bad part about sunrises is that they're so calming, they almost makes you want to fall back asleep.

3. Drinking coffee actually makes sense.

Coffee has become a staple component of mornings for many people, and for a good reason. It's the start of your day and you're probably still a bit sleepy; it's only natural to crave a quick picker-upper. Some may think, "Sure, but college students drink caffeine at night too, what makes coffee so special for mornings?" Well, coffee is more of a way to begin a day. If you want to push your body's limits and pull all nighters, coffee simply doesn't cut it; late nights are times for energy drinks to shine.

4. Birds.

Yes, birds (among other animals). During my early walks I was surprised by how much chirping I heard, but soon enough I looked forward to all the wildlife that popped up in the morning. Granted, on a college campus the wildlife is limited to squirrels and small birds, but it's still a nice change of pace. If you're lucky you might even find other morning people walking their dogs!

5. More time in the day.

Not everyone exactly sees this as a benefit, but getting up early gives you a lot more time to do things. As good as sleep feels, you can't get any homework done while K.O'd. Early mornings are a good sign of a productive day, and clearing out any important work gives you opportunities to relax in the long run.

I'm not going to talk trash to any night owls out there; I'm just saying you guys are missing out on some massive perks that come with the rising sun.