There are a lot of things about college that I’m willing to accept. The endless assignments, the back-to-back classes, the never-ending to-do lists. But one thing I simply cannot get behind? It being pitch-black outside before I’ve even made it back to my car.
Daylight saving time has officially ended, and apparently, the sun decided it has somewhere better to be.
My afternoon class gets out at 5:15 p.m. During the warmer months, that usually means heading out of class with a little daylight left. Now? By the time I pack up, walk across campus and finally make it to my car, the sun has completely disappeared. Not just a little sunset glow, either. I’m talking full-on nighttime. Add in the dropping temperatures, and suddenly my walk to the parking lot feels like an expedition.
And can we talk about how confusing it is to leave class and feel like the entire day is already over? It’s barely dinner time, but the sky is telling me it’s time to put on pajamas, make something warm and call it a night.
Unfortunately, my responsibilities did not get the memo.
My homework still needs to be finished. Emails still need responses. Laundry is somehow always waiting. And despite what the darkness outside suggests, I cannot simply clock out of being a college student at 5:30 p.m.
The time change also throws off my entire sense of productivity. When it’s dark outside, I automatically feel like I should be winding down. Suddenly, making dinner at 6 p.m. feels late and staying up past 10 feels like a personal accomplishment. It’s a strange adjustment when your internal clock seems to think you’ve already had a full day.
But I suppose there is one upside to the earlier sunsets: the return of cozy evenings. There’s something nice about coming home, changing into comfortable clothes, making a warm drink and putting on a favorite movie. The colder weather gives us a reason to slow down, spend more time indoors and enjoy the little routines that make this season feel special.
Still, I would appreciate at least a little more daylight after class. I’m just trying to make it ot my car without feeling like I’ve worked the night shift.
College is hard enough. Could we at least have sunlight until 6?