The Evening Student’s Survival Guide

I’m an evening student. 

That means that by the time most of the working world is massaging their office feet and devouring dinner in the comfort of their homes, I’m heading to class. 

 

 

 Being an evening student allows me to:

  1. Work full time.
  2. Attend family responsibilites
  3. Intern
  4. Sleep late

All while pursuing my degree full time. 

Fabulous, right? You bet. But going to school after sundown is not without its own set of challenges.  Many students have full schedules before the clock strikes 6:30 PM and we’re still expected to be bright eyed and bushy tailed enough to pay attention, take notes, participate, and score well on quizzes and exams until dismissal three or four hours later.  Here’s what you’ll need to tackle the challenges…

 

 

Food

     Now isn’t the time for steak and potatoes.  You’ll need something quick, compact, and energy boosting.  Some professors have a zero tolerance no food policy in class while others don’t mind if you munch.  Either way, discretion is golden as you don’t want to disturb your classmates with the rustling of potato chip bags or the not-so-fragrant scent of tuna.

     Unless you’re lactose intolerant, you can’t go wrong with yogurt.  I’ve recently discovered Chobani Flip- a myriad of Greek Yogurt flavors with delectable toppings. My favorite is Coco Loco, a coconut yogurt topped with toasted almonds and dark chocolate chunks.

 

Mmmmmm….

An ancient Middle Eastern staple, hummus is excellent with fresh veggies, pita bread, or pretzels

     Lastly, I adore fresh fruit and fresh fruit smoothies.  As nature’s very own fast food, there’s no limit to the variety of goodness to be snacked on. Fruit can be cut into cute little bite sizes or blended into a drink.

So good…

 Mints

     As most of us will have done our daily dance with Colgate hours earlier, be sure to carry a breath freshener with you.  We do tons of group work at FIT and you don’t want your ideas to go unsaid just because you’re afraid to lean in and speak up amongst your peers.

Don’t let this be you…

                                                                        Charger

     It’s 2013.  By 6:30 at night, it’s likely that your cellphone/laptop/tablet battery is preparing to die from all that web surfing and texting you’ve been doing.  Many students use their laptop or tablet as a notebook in class and you’d always want to have a charged cell phone.  Save yourself the inconvenience of being without your electronic devices.  Bring your charger with you.

Stay charged…

 

Flats

     To the ladies who strut in heels all day, I applaud you.  Heels are sexy.  They elongate the legs, do wonders for your gait, and skyrocket your confidence.  But we all know that at the end of the day, the dogs are barking. Some of them are even howling.  When your feet hurt, there’s no way you can concentrate on anything else.  Give that pinky toe a break and whip out the flats.  You’ll be glad you did.

Your pinky toe will thank you.

     This is just a guide.  Feel free to include other things in your survival goodie bag like a bottle of water, cleansing wipes, travel deodorant, power bars, almonds, mascara, a comb or anything else that will keep you alert, your metabolism revved, and your body feeling good during your evening class.

Keep it going…

 Evening Students, what keeps your flame lit during  late night classes? Let me know in the comments below.

To Infinity And Beyond,

Jaiah