How to survive the dreaded all nighter

None of us are strangers to the famous all nighters. You realise your deadline is tomorrow, and you’ve barely started your assignment. This  brings on one of the worst feelings you could experience as a student.

And then it really sinks in. You have to stay up all night to meet that deadline. The wave of emotion hits you as you realise you have to give up a good night’s sleep, or even worse, a night on the rip.

Fluids 

And no, for once this isn’t based on alcohol consumption. You nearly have to pretend that you’re really sick, and you need to keep hydrated throughout the night.

Energy drinks are your best bet. Not only will the caffeine help give you that buzz you need to stay awake, the fact you’ll need the toilet every half hour will help you stay alert!

Sometimes a variety helps stay awake!

Pro Plus

Pro plus has been one of my best friends since university started. All nighters are all about how much caffeine you can take in a short space of time. Pro plus was a necessity during freshers and I didn’t realise the full effect it could have until one (very regrettable) night I stayed up until 7am telling a complete stranger the story of my life.

Best friends forever and always

Even if you don’t believe that a little tablet can give you the energy of an extremely hyper three year old, it’s all about the placebo effect. You just have to believe that it will keep you awake. Once you start telling yourself that, your body will start to believe it too.

Food 

Another necessity when it comes to an all nighter. Fatty, sugary foods are what you need. There’s no such word as ‘diet’ when it comes to an all nighter.

Try rewarding yourself with a piece of chocolate or some crisps every time you finish a sentence. You deserve that treat for making the commitment towards an all nighter.

Perfect excuse to feast without the guilt

If the amount of work you have to do isn’t keeping you motivated, then the thought of eating a feast on your own should do the trick!

You look at the little clock on your laptop and you realise its an ungodly hour to be awake and sober. The high you were on has suddenly crashed and at this stage it seems easier to drop out than to meet this deadline.

Just keep going and keep in mind the feeling of satisfaction you’ll get when you finally finish, even if it is just scraping a pass. And after that you get to crawl into your bed and do what students do best, sleep.