It’s 7:45, and you have managed to snooze your alarm right up until the last second. Class starts in 15 minutes. It’s one of the strict professors, we’ve all had them. What are you going to do?
Let’s be honest, no one likes 8 a.m. classes. We used to get up way earlier for class in high school, but now that seems like another world. This is college. There’s not enough sleep in the world to relieve the exhaustion. Every minute counts. Why get up when you can spend a little longer avoiding classes, homework, and student loans?
In order to maximize the potential of your 15 minutes, there are a few things that you must know:
1. Multiple alarms are key.
You should be able to get extra sleep, not sleep through class. Set extra alarms. That way, you are guaranteed to wake up. If your professor heavily bases your grade on attendance, then all you have to do is get out of bed for that A.
Easier said than done, I know.
2. Streamline your getting-ready process.
Pick out your outfit the night before, if you have time. If not, neutrals are key. If you can throw together a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing outfit with a pretty bland color palette, you can’t go wrong. There’s limited brain function in the morning, so keep it simple.
If you wear makeup, pick one or two essentials you can’t go without. Putting on a full face in the morning can be pretty challenging, especially if you are still half-asleep.
3. Eat on the go.
Prep a quick meal the night before, like a smoothie. If you forget to do this, select a breakfast that is more portable, like a granola bar, or a banana.
4. Don’t forget the homework that’s due!
I can’t tell you how many times I'm on time to class and on the way there, I realize that I have left my homework sitting neatly on my desk, all the way back at the dorm. To save yourself the trouble, just put it in your backpack the night before, or print it ahead of time.
5. Find the most efficient route to each of your classes.
Once you have gone to the class a few times, start experimenting with different ways to get there. Sometimes you can find a path that will cut your travel time down significantly, which is always a plus.
If you need an extra five minutes on top of all of this, just throw on whatever is in your line of sight, including, but not limited to: a fanny pack, your favorite Crocs, or a velour tracksuit.
For sustenance, rip a granola bar from an unsuspecting freshman’s hands, and sprint to class. Or ride your super cool Razor scooter. To go even faster, buy flame decals and stick them on. They will greatly increase your speed and elevate your social status. With all of these tips, you will be on time to class, every time!
Good luck and Godspeed—and look out, because I'll probably be running to my own class right behind ya!
