Pro Tips on How to Survive Morning Class

Morning class - for most, the 8:15 am slot is like a thorn in their side. Whether this is by choice or simply what most may call an unfortunate draw of the hand, writer Shashwat gives 4 quick tips on how best not only to survive but thrive in the morning.

Greetings, fellow SMUggers. Confused? Perhaps. Tired? No doubt. Wondering what series of decisions led you here, standing outside a seminar room at 8 am? Welcome. If you are reading this, you have probably undergone the hellish rite of passage we call morning class.

If you were preassigned to the class, my deepest sympathies. Just when you think life might be going fine, it assigns you a Monday morning lecture you definitely did not pre-read. Of course, if you bid for this timing, this hour of the day is everything you imagined — and worse.

Having braved the morning madness myself, I wish I had some way to prepare for the impending mess rather than struggling through multiple lectures before having any semblance of a plan. But fear no more! Now presenting a field guide to ensure the sleepiest students survive (and hopefully thrive). Keep these tips and tricks in mind while hustling to class, and most importantly: don’t panic!

Tip #1: DO NOT get coffee “on the way”

It is 8 am, and you are hustling through the concourse to get to class, and you spot Koufu up ahead. “A kopi c would hit the spot right about now,” you think. Except it is 8 am. 25 other students are already lined up outside the kopi stall before you arrive here. The only thing worse than a morning class is getting to morning class late, so save yourself the wait and hurry. See also What the Cup.

Tip #2: DO keep your laptop ready

Technology is a marvellous thing. Humans created the wheel, discovered electricity and pioneered the printing press. While they were at it, they created laptops to appear focused during lectures. Prop up your screen and skulk behind as the professor launches into the

lecture (Not) 1.

Still, laptops are useful to at least note down some points and maybe escape censure. That is, until the professor decides to go a step further and proclaim, “No devices allowed.” In which case, you must nail the difficult role of acting interested, i.e. looking intently at the board, and scribbling gibberish. Don’t forget to practice your nods for when the professor stares directly at you.

Tip #3: DO NOT watch Tiktok/Instagram Reels the night before

They say you should practice what you preach, but I am no better than anyone. Still, it is more than a little scary how one minute turns to ten while doomscrolling, and then suddenly it’s 3 am, and now you had better sleep, but you’ll still be groggy in the morning.

Remember what I said about technology? Add social media algorithms to the list. That said, a healthy sleep schedule is underrated in maintaining your energy in the morning. Personally, even if I don’t get 8 hours, I do try to read or avoid screens before bed – it leads to much better sleep quality.

Tip #4: DO pre-read the lecture notes

Yes, I’m aware this contradicts what I said earlier. But prepping for a lecture is a great way to ensure you can follow along with the content. Moreover, a quick pre-read can help you prepare some questions or bring up an additional aspect of the content, all for those

precious class participation points. Don’t underestimate those brownie points from the professor while everyone else is barely awake. Oh, and it also has the useful side effect of helping you learn along the way.

And there you have it. I’m sure this isn’t a comprehensive guide, and you will come up with your own strategies to stave off sleeping in. But I hope this goes some way towards making morning class a better experience overall.

Footnotes:

1. TBNG does not endorse not paying the utmost attention during morning lectures. This fact, unfortunately, escaped the attention of the writer, who was promptly sentenced to back-to-back classes held at opposite ends of the campus. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.