Embracing the 8 AM Class: Why It Might Just Be Your Best Choice
It’s a common sentiment among students: the disdain for 8 AM classes. Many will tell you to steer clear of them at all costs, citing that they are the worst. But I can’t help but feel differently, as I’ve found night classes to be far more challenging for my productivity and focus.
For instance, back in my first year, I signed up for a statistics class that wrapped up at 9 PM. Let me tell you, it was a struggle. After a long day, I was utterly exhausted, and trying to absorb complex material felt nearly impossible. I’ve even opted for several classes that run from 4 PM to 6:45 PM, only to find them draining. By the time 5 PM rolls around, my energy dips significantly—often even earlier. My ideal schedule tends to fall between 8:30 AM and 4 PM.
Sure, waking up for an 8 AM class can feel daunting, and yes, I often find myself groggy at that hour. I’m not really a morning person. This semester, my 8:30 AM class has me rising only about 20 minutes before it starts! Yet, once I’m up, I find it easier to fully engage in the class and get my day started. The session tends to fly by, and before I know it, I have the rest of the day ahead of me.
Plus, there’s a certain familiarity to an early start. A lot of people set their schedules around 8 AM, and many of us grew accustomed to this routine during high school. Perhaps embracing this timeframe allows students to align better with the rhythm of the working world.
So the next time you hear someone express disdain for 8 AM classes, consider my perspective: there might be benefits to starting your day early that make it a worthwhile choice after all.
Your perspective on 8 AM classes is refreshing and reflects an important point: the effectiveness of a class schedule can be highly individual. The general disdain for early morning classes isn’t universally applicable, and it’s insightful to consider why some thrive in that time slot while others struggle.
Reasons for the 8 AM Class Stigma:
Biological Rhythms: Many students argue against 8 AM classes due to the natural circadian rhythm, which often predisposes young adults to be night owls. Adolescents and young adults typically experience a shift in their sleep cycle that makes them feel more alert later in the day. This biological inclination can lead to a general resistance toward early classes.
Social and Extracurricular Life: College life encourages late-night study sessions, social events, and sometimes not-so-healthy lifestyle choices that can interfere with sleep. This can contribute to a cultural perception that 8 AM classes are an unwelcome disruption.
Academic Fatigue: After a long day of classes, students often note that the brain feels fatigued by late afternoons. An evening class can feel particularly draining, especially in subjects like statistics that require a lot of focus.
Your Positive Experience:
Your experience highlights that early classes can be advantageous for those who prefer to get their education out of the way early and have the rest of the day to focus on studies, work, or social activities. Here are some additional insights on making early classes work for you:
Master Morning Routines: Since you wake up shortly before class, consider planning just a bit more time for yourself in the morning. A quick routine involving hydration, simple stretching, or a nutritious breakfast can dramatically improve alertness and focus during your class.
Class Selection: You’re right that many students miss out on a wide range of courses because they avoid earlier slots. Look for high-demand courses that are offered in the morning to capitalize on your advantageous schedule.
Balance Scheduling: If you’re more productive in the mornings, try to balance your schedule by placing critical courses or study groups in those slots, reserving afternoons and evenings for lighter subjects or extracurricular activities that aren’t as mentally taxing.
Listening to Your Body: Acknowledge that not everyone will feel the same way you do about early classes. If you find that you thrive in the mornings, consider encouraging fellow students to explore their preferences as well, as this could lead to surprising outcomes regarding their academic performance.
Networking Opportunities: Early classes often mean smaller student populations, which can lead to more meaningful interactions with professors and peers. Use this to your advantage by engaging more in class discussions or seeking clarification, especially if the subject matter is challenging.
Final Thoughts:
In a diverse college environment, it’s fantastic to see a variety of schedules and study habits. Your positive viewpoint on 8 AM classes can definitely be a reminder that personal preferences play a vital role in learning. Encouraging open discussions about different class timings can enrich the college experience and help others find what works best for them. Embrace your unique schedule, and perhaps inspire others to rethink their class choices too!