When I first came to college, I told myself and others that there was no way in hell I would ever take an 8 a.m. class. I'm too much of a night owl and it just wouldn't fit me. Long and behold, the world had other plans. Not only do I have 8 a.m. classes, I have them four days out the week. So in the first week that I've had them, here's a list ways to survive your early lecture.
1. Be up at least an hour before you need to be to class.
As much as it hurts not being able to sleep in before such an early class, you've got have the strength to not push your snooze button and roll back over in bed. Unless you want to be sprinting across campus to your lecture, still in your pajamas, it helps to get up ahead of time so you don't have rush. Because you already have to be up early for class, why be stressed and in a hurry, too?
2. Eat something.
I used to roll my eyes at the idea of breakfast being the most important meal of the day, but having an 8 a.m. taught me to actually take that advice unless I want the entire lecture hall to hear my stomach start grumbling. I'm not saying you have to have whip some pancakes, eggs and bacon every morning (though if you do hats off) but, you should at very least grab a granola bar or keep it on hand. Because whether it be a Pop-Tart or a sausage biscuit from McDonald's, having something in your stomach really helps to stay awake and focused.
3. Go to bed at a decent time.
Being that I can normally stay up until 2 a.m. with no problem, having to get up for an 8 a.m. class was a rough adjustment. As much as I'd love to binge watch Netflix and Hulu all night, it's also important that I'm coherent in class. It may just be an hour and fifteen minutes, but it can feel like forever and a day if you aren't well rested.
4. Take naps.
I know that as a college student, naps are something we already hold very dear to us, but with 8 a.m. classes, they become not just a way to avoid homework, but a way to build up energy again after an early lecture. If you find yourself not being able to fall asleep the night before your 8 a.m., try and find a decent time right afterwards to go back to sleep.
5. Find other people who have an 8 a.m.
I think it's pretty universal that no one wants to suffer alone. In my case, my early classes are especially painful because as I'm fumbling around half awake at 7 a.m. trying to get ready, my roommate is fast asleep in her bed. If you're able, find someone who has an early class, too. Whether they live close to you or you have the same class, create a schedule in which the two of you can brave through the storm together. Getting each other up, walking to class and maybe even grabbing breakfast before or after class could help the pain of an 8 a.m. lecture more bearable.
