I have learned, through experience, that picking classes is very dreadful, especially when you get to pick last. As a freshman, I didn't have a lot of variety when it came to choosing courses and times. By the time it was my turn to plan my schedule, there were very few time selections, and I had a 7:50 a.m. class every day of the week during both the fall and spring semester.

Going into the fall semester, I had mixed emotions about my schedule because it would be difficult getting good sleep in a new environment with new people and having to wake up early every day.

On one hand, I would complete all of my classes earlier in the day and have the afternoon to get homework done, attend club meetings, and whatever else I had planned.

On the other hand, I had to make sleep a priority and try to go to sleep around 12 a.m. every night, if not before.

There were mornings where I sat in class barely able to hold my eyes open, but at least I had a free afternoon to take a quick nap and feel rejuvenated.

So, how can you survive?

Wake up at least 45 minutes before your class to get ready.

Some students like to wake up five or ten minutes before class, but that doesn't help you feel alert in class. Taking the time to wake up with your full routine will help you focus . When you're not awake in class, you can miss out on key information that you will need for your next exam.

Eat something!

It's likely that you don't have time to go sit in your dining hall to eat a full breakfast, so keep some breakfast bars or something simple to heat up in your microwave before class.

Whether you take a few minutes to sit down and eat, or you eat it as you walk, something is better than nothing!

Wash your face.

It's common for people to take a shower in the morning to wake up, but when you have early class that just means you have to wake up even earlier. As an alternative, you can wash your face each morning to help wake you up.

Value the weekends.

Saturday and Sunday are the days the sleep in, at least a little bit. That does not mean you should stay in bed until lunch, it means that you should take the opportunity to sleep for the appropriate amount of time that you need to be successful.

If all else fails…

Drink coffee!

The caffeine in your morning cup of Joe should give you a boost at least until your class is over. Making coffee a part of your morning routine may be the pick-me-up that you need.

Having an early schedule prepares you for life. If your end goal is a career, you will most likely have to wake up and be at work by 8 a.m. so you might as well start your practice now! Remind yourself daily that you can do early class and, as the semester progresses, your body and mind will get used to it.

Most things in life are hard at first, but through routine and practice, you can do it!