Whether it’s a dreaded 8:30 a.m. class across campus or a 2:00 p.m. lecture just outside of your door, getting up for class can be rough. No one likes to hear the blood-curdling sound of an alarm, even if it is playing your favorite Justin Bieber song (everyone has one, be honest). The snooze button often seems to lure in even the most responsible college students, so it’s always good to have a plan for those mornings when you roll out of bed with only 10 minutes to spare. Don’t have one? Perfect. Here are some “expert” tips that will make you look great, or at least good, in 10 minutes or less.
The Night Before
The best approach for the unexpected is to, well, expect it! Sounds simple enough, and guess what? It is. First, take a shower. “I showered last night” is no excuse, because let’s face it — we all smell. You may even smell more than other people, but no one will ever be brave enough to let you know. So shower now, and you won’t get dirty looks when you walk down the hallway. More importantly, it’s one less thing to do in the morning. Second, pack your bag. There is a 95 percent chance that when you are rushing to get to class on time in the morning, you will forget something. It is going to happen, so pack it before you realize that you left the paper that counts for three-quarters of your grade in your room. Lastly, and maybe most importantly, set two alarms. Three, even. Set as many alarms as you can. If you forget to push snooze on one of them, you’ll still have a backup. Then you can avoid having to read over the rest of these suggestions.
Dry Shampoo
People are stubborn, and sometimes they don’t like to listen when they’re told that showering at night will make that late wake up easier. Some perfume, or maybe Febreze, will take care of that funky smell, but what about your hair? Why does it look so dirty? Well don’t fret, because the college gods have now made dry shampoo easily accessible to us. Buy a bottle, follow the directions and in two minutes, your dirty hair will fool everyone.
Layers
Dressing in layers is the simplest way to convince others that your outfit is both well-thought-out and stylish. Throw on a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and one of your classier sweaters, and there you have it. It’s casual yet pulled together. Layers are smart for fall because if you’re too warm or too chilly, you have options. If you wear a pair of shoes that are a little nicer than your holey sneakers, you could even be called a stylist. A nice outfit and a title? Can it get any better?
Make-Up
At times, it’s hard to leave the house without make-up. A life without it can be a tricky one to navigate, but with a shortage of time, it’s good to try. Instead of doing an entire make-up routine, accent the one feature you like the most in a different way. Do you like eyeliner? Try out a new style. Lipstick? Maybe you want a brighter color. The people around you will notice the change, and hopefully not the rest of your face.
Shaving
Guys, don’t be scared if you don’t have time to shave, because you’re in luck. Girls love men with scruff. It’s rugged, sexy and even endearing at times. Embrace the stubble, and if you like it, try not shaving for a few more days. It will save you time, and you’ll look good doing it. “What complements my newfound stubble,” you ask? Well, you could always try grabbing a cup of coffee and a nice thick copy of anything by Ernest Hemingway. You’ll look like the intellectual you’ll never actually be, and maybe you’ll even learn a thing or two.
It’s inevitable; everyone is going to get up late at some point. Hopefully, these tips give you a little clarity. If not, here’s a final tip: Go to sleep in your clothes, with your hair and make-up done, shoes tied, alarm set and bag on. You’ll be ready in 30 seconds flat.