I’m not a morning person—I hate everything about mornings. But ever since I arrived at university, I’ve always had at least one course with an 8 am class. Despite my best efforts, I just can’t avoid them. Last semester, I had five courses (COSC, CHEM, BIO, SOCI, ENGL, and three labs). It’s a struggle every single time. But don’t worry—I’ve got you. I went from being a night person (staying up until midnight to 2 am) to a morning person, even on weekends. Here are my tips so you can do the same.
The night before
A smooth morning starts the night before, especially if you’re not a morning person like I am. I usually get my clothes ready, shower, and pack my bag with my notebook, a fully charged computer, and snacks. Believe me, this will save you so much time and sanity. I honestly love getting ready the night before because it gives me a moment to take a break from school and reorganize myself. Instead of stumbling around half-awake, deciding what to wear, looking for a notebook, remembering to pack everything, I wake up feeling more relaxed and ready for the day. Guys, trust me, this works amazingly!
The only reason I wake up (and what to do instead when your alarm goes off)
When my alarm goes off, I hate it, very passionately. Alarm is not my best friend, but I will be honest—they’re the only reason I wake up. It usually takes me many, many snoozes before I get out of bed. And let me tell you, you are not alone in this struggle. But I’m also here to give you a couple of tips that might actually help you get out of bed and avoid sleeping in. The tip that works well for me is setting multiple alarms spaced a few minutes apart. This creates a mini countdown in my brain that slowly pulls me into wakefulness, which makes it harder to stay stuck in the snooze cycle.
Want another option? I got you—place your phone or alarm clock across the room. Yes, I know what you’re thinking: “Seriously?” But trust me, physically getting up to turn it off, helps shake off the grogginess (also, hot take: keeping your phone away from your bed makes you go to bed instead of scrolling on social media for hours). If that doesn’t work for you—well, damn—but another option could be a “puzzle” alarm app. These make you solve a challenge before the alarm stops. I haven’t tried it myself (because I’m lowkey scared of how annoying it might be and I won’t be able to shut it up), but if you give it a go, let me know how it works for you below!
The struggle of eating breakfast
To be completely honest, I don’t eat breakfast every day. I know they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but I can’t decide what I want to eat, nor do I have the energy to make something. The easiest breakfasts for me are toast with peanut butter and jam, waffles (I made during the weekend), or a quick protein drink. Overnight oats or premade breakfast sandwiches are simple options you can meal prep in advance. I know I’m supposed to give you tips, but this is my experience. I hope you can do better than me!
My kind of stretch, (MUSIC!!!)
Okay, mornings (the real talk of this). Everyone says a good stretch is important and a great way to start the day. Sure, it might work for some, but to me, this sounds like something an influencer would do. Stretching in the morning? Not happening. If I’m already getting out of bed, that’s enough “stretch” for me. The whole “just stretch for five minutes” routine feels like climbing a mountain (no?). The only time I will move (stretch) and that actually works for me is MUSIC. The moment I head to the bathroom to start my morning routine, I throw on my favorite upbeat playlist and before I know it, I’m dancing around, and I can feel my energy changing. There’s something about a hype playlist that feels like personal pep talk. If you ask me, it’s the perfect way to “stretch” without actually stretching. So, for anyone out there that is like me about the morning fitness routine, trust me, music might just be your thing. And I will leave that with this: I’ve got you covered with some hit music recommendations below. You’re welcome!
The bus routine/Google Maps (pro tip)
Let’s talk about the bus because let’s be real, it’s important. I don’t have a lot to say because, well, it’s a bus. But here’s my experience:
Coming from a small town, figuring out the bus system was something I had to learn. It wasn’t easy at first, but let me tell you, Google Maps is a lifesaver. It’s my go-to app for tracking buses, and it’s been somewhat accurate (shoutout to Google!). However, about 40% of the time, the buses are delayed, or they show up early, which means you’re either running to catch it or standing outside freezing, waiting for the next one. Having one of my roommates with me has made all the difference. At least we can keep each other entertained while waiting. Just know that it is just another part of student life.
To end this long rant
I will say that as a university student, 8 am classes are a struggle especially when you are not a morning person like me. But once you figure out what works for you, weather that is preparing the night before, setting multiple alarms, making simple breakfast, or hyping yourself with music can make big differences and a little less painful. Remember, I am gonna say this again, YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS. With a little effort and patience, you will be CRUSHING those 8 am classes with a smile (or at least without crying).
About the Author
Tigist Baigent is a second-year student in the Bachelor of Arts program, still figuring out what she wants to do but exploring a mix of science and arts courses. She loves traveling, discovering new places, and spending quality time with friends and family.
