The process of knowing you're in love with that show, without realizing you're addicted. UGH...who wants to be a real person when you can just live vicariously through someone else's life via Netflix?

You wake up. It’s raining. Your roommate, who had an 8 am this morning, happens to still be in bed. You have two classes today, and both are lacking attendance policies harsh enough to draw you out of your self-made cocoon. You sit up, look around, grab your laptop in an acrobatic maneuver that allows you to reach your desk without dismantling the careful assortment of blankets you have so artfully arranged yourself in, and settle in. You’re not doing anything today.

Let’s be real here for a minute: there is not a single college student in the world that hasn’t had a day like this. We’ve all been there (c’mon engineering students, don’t be ashamed that you took a break from the library).  On these days of pure, unadulterated laziness, there is but one thing to do: get your Netflix on. As a professional Netflix binge-watcher (just ask my roommate), I have discovered that there is a way to make the most out of your viewing. Here’s my step-by-step guide.    

Step 1: Locate your charger. I know, I know, this step isn’t technically about Netflix, but it also kind of is. There will come a time when you are in the middle of Breaking Bad and that annoying little notification pops up in the corner telling you that if you don’t plug your computer in, it will die a devastating death. Trust me when I tell you that having already located your charger will be one of the best decisions you make all day, because you will simply shut that notification up.    

Step 2: Get comfortable. Snuggle in, ladies, because you’re going to be there for a while. Pick a spot that has good back support but also allows you to move around once in a while when you get a dead leg or your arm falls asleep. Blankets are not required but highly recommended. Same goes for Pillow Pets and Snuggies.    

Step 3: Pick a show. This is the most important part, for obvious reasons. Figure out what kind of show you’re looking to watch and then get immersed. If you’re looking for a funny, lighthearted show, head more towards That 70’s Show and less towards Mad Men. If you’re looking for an intense drama, think more Scandal and less It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. You get the picture.    

Step 4: Accept your future. Before you hit play, accept the fact that you might get horribly addicted and consumed in a fictional universe in the next few hours. Remember, after the first episode ends, you have roughly 14 seconds to decide whether or not you want to continue to overwhelm yourself further. If you love what you’re watching, go for it. If you’re not crazy about it, don’t be afraid to pick something different.               

Ultimately, binge watching is a pastime shared by people of all ages and motivations. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and accept the fact that not only are you getting nothing done today, but you’re possibly setting yourself up for weeks (months, if you’re me) of procrastination. Plus, if Netflix doesn’t have everything you want to watch, there’s always HBO Go, home of Sex and the City (aka the women’s Bible on film).