This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SCAD chapter.
Photo courtesy of www.retailmenot.com.
Love them or hate them, reality at SCAD may sometimes include taking all of your classes in the same day. For some students it’s the most productive way to handle school while for others it may be an exercise in endurance. Whichever the case, handling a marathon of one two-and-a-half-hour class after the other is a mental and physical challenge that requires preparation and a little help. Here are some tips to help you survive and keep going during these long days.
- Meal prep or plan where the food will come into your life from. Whether it’s from the cafeteria, a deli, or home, make sure you consider meal times are probably going to be short and in-between classes. Think sandwiches, protein or meal bars, or your own food in a microwavable container.
- Breaks in between class are the ideal times to stretch, walk around, and move. Anything to counteract the long times of sitting still in a classroom, try to get some physical exercise in a busy day.
- If you wear makeup, consider using a matte or long lasting makeup routine. This way, your makeup will last all day without the need for excessive touch-ups or worrying about how far eyeliner can migrate.
- Choosing outfits under a time crunch is frustrating and uninspiring. By preparing it the night before, you ensure a more streamlined routine the next morning and can actually think about school instead of “Should I wear the black shoes with the white stripes or the white shoes with the black stripes?” (Decisions, decisions…).
- Speaking of shoes, for long and busy days make sure you’re comfortable. A pair of cute sneakers or closed-toe shoes work best for days when changing is not an option. Or simply bring your fancy shoes in a backpack or purse. This is a good tip for presentation days too.
- Stay hydrated. If you only save drinking water for when you return home from class, you are already dehydrated. Even the slightest feeling of thirst is a sign of dehydration. Save some room in your bag for a water bottle (even better if it’s reusable). Remember, there are water fountains around campus and in the cafeteria for easy refills.
- Prepare backpack/purse/oversized luggage the night before. Make a simple checklist by class to ensure you have all the books and materials ready. Also consider reserving a locker on campus for extra storage space.
- Binder notebooks are your new best friend. Try using one larger binder notebook with three subject dividers, one for each class. This ensures that you’ll never accidentally forget a notebook at home and their built-in folders make the handout situation a breeze.
- Prepare for shifts in temperature. Temperature rarely feels just right, so prepare to feel it. Carrying a scarf is a great and less bulky way of having an extra layer available; it doesn’t take up much space or weight in your bag pack (or neck) and just wrap it around like a sweater when it’s cold. It’s a portable and stylish blanket you are allowed to wear in public.
- Relax and decompress afterwards by doing something you enjoy. Remember, you just survived a whole day of focused learning and creating. Whether it’s through music, movies, a good book, or strolling through a park, recharge by going easy on yourself.
Did you find these tips helpful? Let us know in the comment section below.