The one piece of advice I always hear college students give to incoming freshmen is not to take 8 a.m. classes. Waking up for high school versus college are two very different feelings; in one, attendance is required by law — so going to class isn’t really a choice — and in the other, attendance is (mostly) optional (not really though). Knowing you can skip an 8 a.m. may tempt you to do it more often, so does that mean you should avoid early morning classes completely? Most students would say yes — but I, for one, actually enjoy them!
My Experience
I have had my fair share of early classes. During my first two semesters at TAMU, I had four 8 a.m. classes a week, and boy, were there some days I seriously regretted my decisions. But over time, the routine became second nature. I have always found that the worst part is the moment you open your eyes and have to get up, but after that, the day starts, and the morning’s energy takes over. I will admit the initial struggle does suck sometimes, but to me, it’s a small sacrifice I am willing to make.
There is something very peaceful about watching the sunrise over the football field while driving, hearing the morning birds chirp while walking across campus, or knocking out errands before most of the campus even wakes up. The productivity of getting my day started beats out any hesitation or tiredness that comes from waking up early. And if I do happen to be tired, guess what! I’ll treat myself to a coffee before class!
I appreciate the rhythm of 8 a.m. classes so much that I continue to take one every semester. Although I don’t go as far as some students who load up on these classes, waking up early and having my day done by noon is the path I choose to take. Of course, I don’t recommend this for everyone. I know myself and I know that once I find a routine that works, it doesn’t matter how early I have to wake up. For others, I know it’s not the same, and that’s okay! The ability to choose your schedule is what makes everyone’s college experience so unique.
What the scientists say
There have been several studies and think pieces exploring the benefits or disadvantages of 8 a.m. classes, and to my surprise, they overwhelmingly conclude that morning classes only harm a student’s learning. Studies analyzing how early classes affect academic performance or trying to identify the optimal learning time conclude that early classes don’t produce good academic results in students. It seems that 8 a.m. classes simply are too early for our brains to learn.
So what does that mean for people like me, who enjoy the early mornings? To be honest, I don’t know! It’s interesting to see scientific data that confirms the advice incoming freshmen receive, especially coming from someone who thrives in early classes. It’s always good to look at research on college students to make better academic decisions, but at the same time, college is such a personal journey. There’s no need to feel pressured to follow what works best for someone else if you know another option works better for you!
So are 8 a.m. classes truly that bad? According to science, yes! But it’s not one-size-fits-all.
At the end of the day, what matters most is finding a schedule that fits your learning style and helps you thrive. If you want to wake up early, go ahead. Like sleeping in until noon? Sometimes I do too! That is what evening classes are for. No one knows you better than you do, so make the decisions that will lead to your success.