Becoming a sophomore means that I’ve survived my first year in college (hands up). College is a lot of fun and a whole new journey, but it can be frustrating sometimes. Morning classes are definitely one of the most annoying things, especially if you are someone who needs intro classes but have to compete with all the upperclassmen who have priority in registration. I know how it feels because I ended up taking 8ams during both semesters in my freshman year, and I’m in no way a morning person.
While most of us were used to going to school at 8am in high school, trust me, 8am in college is different. When papers, exams and assignments flood into your life, well, that’s a bye-bye to sleep. Last semester, I sometimes would work till 3am and still had to get up for my 8 am class. Anyways, I survived my 8 ams and did well in both of the classes. And here are some of my tips on getting through a morning class:
1. Naps
Coping with heavy workload and taking morning classes = not enough sleep. Taking a nap is always a good idea to catch up with some sleep. Since freshman dorms are pretty close to most academic buildings, you should totally use that to your advantage and run back for a nap after morning class, between classes or whenever you have some spare time. Remember to keep naps short (a 20- to 30-minute nap is ideal).
2. Coffee
Treat yourself with some coffee! For most of us, going to bed early every day is probably not very realistic. In some occasions when you have to work late and then get up early and feel disoriented and can’t focus in class, a cup of coffee can definitely lighten up your morning. However, avoid caffeine late in the afternoon if you’re planning to go to bed early. Also, try to moderate your caffeine intake so that you don’t grow overly dependent on it (my goal this year is four grande lattes per week, and I’ll see how long I can stick to it lol).
3. Eat Before Class
Having nothing in your stomach is not only a physical torture but also severely reduces your performance and efficiency in morning classes. If you can’t get up an extra half an hour earlier to have a decent breakfast, like me, grab some snacks for class (if the professor allows eating in class) or on your way to class. My trick for a morning snack is something sweet and flavorful: breakfast biscuits (my personal fave is Belvita blueberry), chocolates, flip yogurt or banana that I saved from yesterday’s dinner.
4. Adjusting sleeping hours
Going to bed early naturally makes getting up early easier, but when you become so used to sleeping late, you would find it impossible to fall asleep earlier even if you want to. So when you are finally over a busy period, for example midterms, try to adjust your sleeping hours back to normal. Having some milk and cookies, exercising, not using your phone in bed or even simply getting in bed earlier would help.
5. Some Sleep Aids?
Taking sleep aids is of course a choice, but only do it when you feel you have to. Melatonin is the most common kind of sleep aid that you can get over the counter. It is a hormone produced by the human body itself to regulate sleepiness and wakefulness, so it’s generally safe for most people. Melatonin sleep aids are usually in forms of gummies or tablets and with varieties of 3mg, 5mg and 10mg (mine are 3mg gummies). If you are suffering from insomnia, jet lag and poor sleep quality or want to adjust your sleeping hours, you can try to use some sleep aids. But don’t take too much at once! I know someone who couldn’t wake up and missed his morning class after taking sleep aids. Again, use your best judgment, read the instructions and talk to a pharmacist or your doctor for any questions or additional information.
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