How to Get to School On Time

Tips on Timeliness for Sleep-Deprived High Schoolers

By Jia-ming Gong, ‘25

Over hundreds of years of springing out of bed as late as humanly possible, overworked and under-rested high school students across the public education system have evolved incredible adaptations in the pursuit of punctuality. From developing a symbiotic relationship with caffeine to hibernating on weekends, it is truly one of nature’s wonders. Here are some tips for getting to school on time:

1) Your preparation for the next day actually begins the night before. I like to empty my bag and set up a scavenger hunt for myself to do the next morning because it stimulates my mind in preparation for a day of rigorous academic learning. Make sure all the essentials are placed on various floors of the house and in multiple rooms because it adds to the challenge and provides substantial exercise. 

2) When it comes to sleep, less is more. If you’ve ever had trouble waking up, it may be because you’re allowing yourself to sleep too long! All too familiar is the confusing feeling of being more tired after 8 hours of sleep than 3 hours of sleep. Don’t be afraid to hijack your body’s executive functions by sneaking in a couple extra hours of curating your For You page -- peak productivity. 

3) Pay close attention to public transportation operations, such as trolleys, buses, and trains. Their schedules are strict and uncompromising (except on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays). If you miss your scheduled departure, you might as well just walk back home and hit your resident license-holder with the classic: “Can you send me to school?”

Finally, you made it through the doors on time to take a seat… on the hallway floor as you wait 15 minutes before a sub unlocks your first period classroom door for you!

NOTE: Students who live within walking distance from school and students who suffer from “senioritis” face unique challenges and should seek additional support.