5 ways to kill time between classes

In a perfect world, students would be able to schedule their courses so that they either (a) ran concurrently with only five or 10-minute breaks in between or (b) would only have to attend one course per day. Unfortunately, it’s not a perfect world, and students must face a great deal of downtime between classes.

So, for your benefit, here are five things you can do to kill time between classes.

It sounds kind of obvious, but you could actually use that downtime to study! Let’s say you have a two-hour window between classes. Instead of heading back to the dorms or back home, find a quiet spot on campus to study for that upcoming test or do some of the homework you’ve been putting off. It is a good way to make some free time for yourself later on when you’re at home and you’d rather be relaxing than doing homework.

Catch a catnap. Most universities and campuses have plenty of cozy couches you can doze off on. This can keep you refreshed for the rest of your day and also help make up for some of the sleep you missed the night before studying – or doing whatever you college kids do with your evenings. Just don’t forget to set your cell phone alarm or ask a friend to wake you up! It might be a bit embarrassing to wake up on a campus couch after having slept your class away.

Grab a bite to eat. They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. They say that because it gives you energy for the rest of your day and gets your metabolism working. Grabbing a bite before class can give you an added boost of energy, and it is one less thing to worry about during class.

Get some exercise! Sure, you don’t want to show up to your class smelling like a used gym sock, but you won’t get too overheated taking a walk around campus or even going for a quick jog. This is a good way to clear your mind, maybe listen to some tunes (don’t forget your portable CD player or mp3 player) and get in a good state of mind.

Finally, enjoy your surroundings. Most schools feature art of some kind, maybe even inventive building architecture. Take a look around – you might like your campus more than you think.

Non-traditional students have degree completion options

As the cliché goes, you never stop learning. Another cliché states that you learn something new every day. Well, these clichés have a point – when you stop learning, you stop growing. That, and the fact that more people are growing dissatisfied with their careers or are being laid off due to tough economic times, is why more and more non-traditional students are returning to college at later ages.

If you fall into one of these categories, or if you want something different for yourself, you have options. You can earn the education that can change your life in many different ways.

One option for hardworking employees who don’t have enough time as it is, or the doting parents who don’t wish to sacrifice time with their families, is earning an education online. Some colleges offer specific courses online, and some colleges offer entire curricula online. So, whether you want to receive an online degree or just take a few courses, this is a great option, as you will be able to do your work more or less at your own pace.

Another great option for non-traditional students is attending a career college or a vocational school. Don’t spend extra time learning subjects that don’t interest you – if you know what trade you want to enter, take the most direct route.

Community colleges offer you the chance to earn more of a “traditional” education while allowing you to attend night classes and take fewer courses per week. Plus, upon completion you will have earned a degree, which always looks good to employers.

Of course, there is also the option of attending a four-year university. These colleges have gone a great way toward recognizing the needs of non-traditional students and have worked hard at accommodating them.

So, whatever your situation and needs, there are many options for non-traditional students. You just need to explore the possibility and find the option that is right for you.