This Paper is Going to Take Me ALL NIGHT

Despite our best planning efforts, college students are notorious for pulling all-nighters for numerous academic reasons such as cramming the night before a big exam or to finish a 20-page term paper. While such evenings should be avoided at all costs, some students are known to lose a night of sleep at least once a week. Here are some tips on how to pull a successful all-nighter.

1. Location. Location. Location. At AU, you have a number of places to study. The library is an excellent place to pull an all-nighter, with your choice of four floors (including the basement), a quiet floor, tables, cubicles, and free use of computers. This year, the library has also added group study rooms and booths on the first floor. Larger and more rowdy groups tend to head for MGC, which is also open 24 hours. If you choose to stay in the dorms, each floor has a lounge and study rooms to move to when your roommate wants to go to sleep.
2. Create the perfect environment. If you work better with friends, try to find someone else in the same desperate situation. You can keep one another accountable (focusing on your work, not Facebook). Many students also like to listen to music while studying. Either create a great playlist ahead of time, or use free online sources, such as Pandora.
3. Set goals and reward yourself. While an entire evening may feel like enough time, it will go by quickly, so use your time efficiently. Create a To Do list or outline at the beginning of your homework session with small, measurable goals. As you complete each goal, check it off the list and reward yourself with a short break, cup of coffee, or trip to the Eagle's Nest.
4. Stay nourished. Hydration is one of the keys to staying focused during an all-nighter. It's easy to only drink coffee and energy drinks, but these will add to your need for water. Drink water for added stamina. Also, nourish yourself with healthy snacks. Limit carbs and sugar to avoid a crash and aim for protein for a consistent energy source. Crunchy food like cereal or nuts will also help you to stay awake and focused.
5. Maintain your morning rituals. Pulling an all-nighter is difficult during the night, but even worse the next day. After spending an entire night in the library, try to set aside an hour in the morning to go home, shower and change. This will help to wake you up and remind your body that you are starting a day.

Once you pull a successful all-nighter, you may want to do the same for all your major assignments. Remember that it's best to do your work at least a few days before it's due, leaving ample time for planning, editing, and rewriting. So try to plan ahead and only use all-nighters as your last option.