So, you signed up for a night class thinking, “How bad can it be?” Now you’re on your way to a lecture as the rest of the student population heads home. Lucky for you, these tips and tricks might help you make it out alive.
1. Prepare for the inevitable temperature plot twist
Pack a jacket. Just do it. It doesn’t matter if you’re sweating profusely on your walk to campus or if the sun is shining in the afternoon. Bask on Dexter Lawn while you can, but know that when you get out of your last class, the chill will be unforgiving. Future you will thank you, teeth chattering through the trudge home.
2. The star of the show: caffeine
There’s never enough. Well, there is. Don’t overdo it, but grabbing a midday Yerba Mate from Campus Market or a coffee from Julian’s will make all the difference. Time this strategically — late enough to make it through class but early enough to sleep before 2 a.m. Not only will it give you a boost of energy to get through your night class, but a fun drink gives you something to look forward to. There is hope after all!
3. Lock in your post-class plans
If the night class is on a Friday (or let’s be real, the weekend starts on Thursday for many Cal Poly students) you’re going to want to know your plans before heading to class. That way, post-class, you can make a quick run home to get ready to go out. There is nothing more stressful than taking notes in a lecture, trying to ignore your phone blowing up with questions of pregame plans.
4. Food is fuel
Your stomach doesn’t care about your syllabus. You’re going to need a snack (or a few). Or, you know what, a meal. If your professor allows, I’d recommend swallowing your pride and packing dinner for class. Don’t let a lecture mess up your eating schedule. I’m sure you’d prefer snacking in class over heads turning when your stomach audibly growls.
5. The trek home
If you have a car or a friend willing to chauffeur you, count your blessings. However, if you’re walking or biking, then this journey will feel inexplicably long. I’d recommend putting on your favorite playlist — try to romanticize it. But keep only one earbud in for safety. Better yet, call a friend, your mom, your roommate or anyone to keep you company. Use the walk to catch up and pass the time.
With a jacket, a snack, strategic caffeine intake, confirmed after-class plans and a dramatic walk-home soundtrack, you’ve got this. Night class takers are some of the undercover champions of Cal Poly. And hey, at least it’s not an 8 a.m.
