CREDIT: JESSICA THOMPSON
When it comes down to it, we all need to choose between our health and our grades. These five tips will help lessen the blow to your psyche.

So you think you’ve got what it takes to pull an all-nighter at Fanshawe? You think that it’s all fun and coffee? Well it’s not, and you’re in for a rude awakening if you head into one of these unprepared. If you want to avoid certain doom this coming exam season, I suggest you sit down, buckle up and listen because shit’s about to get real.

1. Food

I strongly advise keeping some of your favourite snacks on hand because 7/11 and Mac’s can add up quickly over time. That being said, the kinds of food you consume during your all-nighter will yield widely different results. A family size bag of chips and an extra large coffee may seem like the perfect companion to your unhealthy habits, but they can backfire quickly. While caffeine and sugar provides an initial buzz, the ensuing crash will render you unconscious and your projects unfinished. It’s better to munch on high protein snacks such as trail mix, or small portions of fruit throughout the night. The proteins and natural sugars will sustain your metabolism and keep your brain going all night. Just be sure to pace yourself with the natural sugars or you’ll crash all the same.

2. Water

While this may seem like a no-brainer, many aspiring students seek to conquer their all-nighter without so much as an energy drink. Keeping hydrated will not only keep you alert but will aid your recovery the following day. Two to three glasses of water every hour will not only ensure that you stay hydrated, but will force you to take regular bathroom breaks also. Stepping away from your studies provides the mind a much-needed break, while moving around will get the blood flowing and restore your fading willpower to stay awake. A fringe benefit to staying hydrated is that most people find it extremely difficult to fall asleep if they need to use the restroom.

3. Know your surroundings

Despite warnings, many of us are still drawn to the convenience stores across the street, so it’s important to know how to get back into the school. Some of you may think I’m an idiot; obviously you use the front door right? Wrong. Around 11:30 p.m. that door is locked, and the key card reader has been broken for the better part of two years. Instead, I advise you to walk three minutes east to D building and use the doors beside the bike rack. As a word of caution, because of the construction between Oasis and the Student Union Building you must walk outside to navigate between these buildings. These doors are included in the 11:30 p.m. lockdown and do not have card readers. Don’t get stuck outside this semester, always bring a student card and leave a friend inside to open the door in worst case scenarios.

4. Know your surroundings (Part 2)

We’ve covered the perimeter of Fanshawe but tucked away inside our school is a plethora of secret spots for catching a few hours of sleep before class. If you haven’t packed a pillow and a blanket, finding a couch in a secluded room could be the difference between making your morning class and drooling on the floor all afternoon. The most commonly known couch-haven is the lounge in B building, with the second floor of Oasis coming in at a close second place. Although these rooms have couches and chairs galore, they’re also pretty public. In the interest of my own all-nighters, alas, I cannot disclose my own secret rooms, lest they become public knowledge. I suggest asking around your program to find out which inconspicuous rooms nearby are hiding a couch, you’ll be surprised at how many there are.

5. Get a locker

With most of us carrying around our entire curriculum on a laptop, lockers are slowly becoming obsolete. Lucky for our creative minds, we can fit more than just books into these safe havens. All-nighter luxury items such as blankets and pillows aren’t something you want to pack in your bag everyday, but you’ll be glad you have a few stashed on campus. Although storing these items may sabotage your 24-hour bender, it’s a far step above sleeping on the floor. For a fully balanced locker, round off your collection with other necessities like water, microwaveable noodles and trail mix.

While we’ve only scratched the surface here, most all-nighter faux pas will be discovered through trial and error. I hope that no one ends up stranded at the school overnight without a friend’s couch to sleep on, but if you run that risk I hope these tips will help ease the burden. As a parting gift, I’ll remind everyone to always keep socks, deodorant and a toothbrush in their backpack. These three items make a world of difference at 7 a.m. the next morning.