For those of you struggling to stay awake during a 2- or even 3-hour lecture (perhaps more if that’s even possible!), here are some tips:
1. Get a a good night’s sleep. Nothing sucks more than to having to attend a lecture after barely getting enough sleep. Sleeping in class is not cool especially when the professor sees you.
2. Lots of coffee or tea . Just don’t put too much sugar
3. Doodle. I find this helps a lot because not only does it help you from getting bored but studies have shown that doodling actually helps with concentration, understanding and retaining information.
4. Take a course (or a course with a professor you like) that you’re actually interested in. I loved my Classics course and so I actually looked forward to going and taking notes. I especially love lectures where the professor presents in way like he/she is telling story, where everything is intricately woven together and it all makes sense! I hate it when I don’t understand a thing the professor is saying or when he/she mumbles through the notes and isn’t very coherent.
5. Chew gum – I’m not sure this actually works but it does for me sometimes! I think it’s more psychological than anything.
6. Text or play games on your laptop (i.e. Solitaire, my favourite!). I admit, this is not the best advice. Obviously it’s not good if texting or playing games is ALL you’re doing during a lecture. Make sure to turn off the sound on your cellphone when you do text so that you don’t disturb others.
7. The headache pose. If all else fails, pretend you have a headache and put your hand over your forehead and look down. At least have the common courtesy to not be so obvious with sleeping in class. Though I guess there’s really no way of hiding the fact that you’re sleeping… sorry.