As college students kick off the new semester, many are probably thinking, “What did I get myself into?” Maybe you were overly optimistic when registering for classes, or maybe it was simply the only time that worked in your schedule. Many first-years come into college thinking, “I did it every day in high school; how hard can it be?” No matter the reason, almost every student will face the “dreaded 8:30 a.m.” (or at least 9:00 a.m) class at one point or another in their college career. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your early morning classes:

Go to bed earlier, and develop a routine

This may seem like common sense, yet it can make a world of difference. Not only should students go to bed early on the night before their early class but on every school night. Also, students should go to bed and wake up at a reasonable hour on weekends to avoid disrupting their sleep cycle during the week. This will assist in developing a routine and a healthier lifestyle. According to , people who have regular routines oftentimes experience less stress, sleep better, and are more motivated. So that early morning class could actually be what you need to kickstart a healthier routine and ultimately be more productive throughout the day.  

Get everything ready the night before

If you prepare yourself for the next day before you go to bed, you won’t be scrambling in the morning to make sure that you have everything. Organize your room to ensure you wake up in a clutter-free space, lay out your clothes the night before so you know exactly what you’re wearing, make sure you have the appropriate books for your classes, and even figure out what you’re having for breakfast. If you do all of this, you won’t be stressed in the morning, and you can take your time getting ready.  

Wake up at least an hour before class

It may be tempting to roll out of bed 15 minutes before class starts to get as much sleep as possible. Yet this is going to leave you groggy and unready to learn and engage in the classroom. Set as many alarms as you need to, but make sure that you get up at least an hour before your scheduled class time. This will give you the proper time to fully wake up and get yourself ready to face the day ahead.

Find a pick-me-up 

It may take some trial and error at first, but once you find something that works, stick to it. Whether its coffee, tea, a glass of ice water, a shower, or a combination, use these items to give yourself a little extra energy and make your morning easier. Plus, it’s always nice to sip on a hot cup of coffee or tea on the way to class on a chilly morning.

Find something to eat for breakfast

Every student has probably heard this phrase a million times: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” However, there are studies that reinforce this notion and actually have found connections between eating breakfast and better grades. By eating a well-balanced breakfast, you will have higher levels of memory and concentration. It doesn’t have to be a gourmet meal; it could be as simple as a granola bar and some fruit. Also, no one wants to face the embarrassment of their stomach grumbling in the middle of class.

You’ll get through it!

Hate to break it to you, but more than likely, you will be getting up this early (if not earlier) for your job. Also, it’s almost impossible to avoid taking an early morning class at some point in your college career. So learn to embrace it, enjoy the peacefulness of campus in the morning, grab your cup of coffee or tea, and start setting up a healthy routine. These tips will help you get through not only the “dreaded 8:30 a.m.” but also the rest of your college and professional career.