Classes are in full swing, which means exams. Typically you may not need to pull an all-nighter, however, if you decide to wait until last minute to do all of your homework, or you get assigned a ton on an already busy night, you're going to have to learn how to get things done, pull an all-nighter, or pull an all-nighter and not make it look like you did.
1. Drink Water
Staying hydrated will make you feel better and might make things easier. You'll function better and your brain won't be as stressed. Plus, you'll have to get up to go to the bathroom more, which should keep you from falling asleep.
2. Figure out a good background noise that won't distract you.
Whether it's music or a movie, find something that'll keep you up enough so that you don't crash, but don't lose focus. Yes, it's okay to drift off into what you're watching for a few seconds, but focus on either studying or doing your homework.
3. Get it delivered.
If you live on campus, you will waste time walking to the dining hall, waiting in line, taking your good old time to eat, and walking back to wherever you were located. If you are in your dorm, have food delivered. Whether you are using SkiptheDishes or OrderUp, or just a normal restaurant that delivers, you will save time by not having to travel yourself. It will cost a bit more, but chances are the food will be better and you can get something that might drive you to stay up.
4. Find a partner.
Whether it's your roommate, a classmate, boyfriend or girlfriend, or even a Skype buddy, if someone else is in it with you, chances are you'll stay more awake. They can also be your "break time" friend and you can get up and dance, move around, or do anything to wake yourself back up.
5. Power nap.
So the average person takes seven minutes to fall asleep, and a power nap that won't make you more tired is about 20 minutes. With that, aim for a time to fall asleep and set an alarm for 30 minutes after that. You'll get enough sleep to jolt your energy and you won't have started a deep sleep yet.
6. Coffee it out.
I am lucky enough to have a Keurig in my dorm, so whether you have a Keurig or another coffee maker, take advantage of it. Put enough sugar to give you a boost of energy or maybe drink more than one cup if you need it. The caffeine will give you a boost for about another hour. It's not the best way to go, at least not in excess, but if necessary, use it.
7. Take a shower.
For some people this works, but for some others it's a way of telling your brain it's almost bed time. If the latter is the case, don't try this. Try using cold water to wake yourself up. If you shower at night it'll give you more time to sleep in the morning.
8. The morning after.
Take ibuprofen because chances are you are going to get a headache from lack of sleep. Drink tea to warm you up and make you feel better. Splash some water on your face, use make up to erase the bags under your eyes, and eat something. Try to plan a time in the day to catch up on some Zzz's. If you know it is going to be a rough time paying attention in class, find a friend to send you the notes if you missed out.
These are just tips, not a full proof way to get through a rough night of homework. All you can really do is hope to make it through the day without crashing, and that it'll be a few days until you have to stay up later again. Don't procrastinate, but do what you need to.
