Finals week is right around the corner, which naturally, means students will be staying up for hours cramming studying. 

While all-nighters are not recommended for productive work, some people claim to have no choice but to not go to sleep in order to succeed on their exams. 

If one chooses to attempt such a feat, many sources recommend taking study breaks every hour or two to maximize learning. But if a nap is going to knock you out for the evening, what’s the best way to spend that brief time away from work?   

We brainstormed things to do while taking a study break at Penn State for every hour of the morning.

Midnight: Enjoy The Old Main Bells

Every day, at noon and midnight, the Old Main bells are at their peak. Featuring the entire melody followed by 12 ominous chimes, the recording provides serenity and casts peace over the campus. 

While still relatively early in the all-nighter, midnight is a perfect time to clear your mind before a long night/morning of studying. Head on over to Old Main lawn, take a seat on the grass or the flagpole benches, and let your mind wander. Whether it’s the traditional church bell tune or a rendition of “The Nittany Lion” on weekends, the bells will provide a device-free experience that will set you up for success. 

1 A.M.: Socialize With Bar-goers

With most bars closing at 2 a.m., you will notice a mass exodus around the 1 a.m. hour. And while you are at home studying, you are trying to figure out how your friends always seem to have no work to do.

If you find yourself socially deprived and in need of a laugh, head downtown, meet up with some friends for a bit, and have a chat. Or if you are over 21 and feeling ambitious, go to your favorite bar and hang out until closing time. Just make sure to resist any pints, dirty sprites, or tea pitchers that may be offered to you. It’s time to lock in.

Having a conversation with someone you love, or even someone who has been slightly overserved, will certainly give you the energy you need to power through.

2 A.M.: Catch The End Of The Stanley Cup Playoffs

The best playoff in sports is currently going on in the NHL. With a first round that features 16 teams, the bracket consists of many games with late start times on the East Coast. In fact, in the series involving the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild, the puck has dropped as late as 11 p.m., with the average hockey game lasting roughly 2.5 hours. With the potential for overtime extending that number, contests have gone into 2 a.m.

So, if you find you need a break from the textbooks, pull up TNT or ESPN and watch an electric display of competitiveness, talent, and pride. The quest for Lord Stanley is always a battle, and a competitive game will revive your spirits and distract you from your studies for a while.

3 A.M.: Grab Some Food Downtown

The last of the Penn State food joints closes in an hour from this point, so if you find yourself craving a late-night snack, this would be the opportune time to make a move.

El Jefe’s and DP Dough are two popular options that shut down at 4 a.m., so leave yourself enough time to get in line and navigate the drunk crowd. Remember to hydrate, as well. Drinking water while taking snack breaks is crucial in maintaining energy throughout the night.

Because the only food options that are open are relatively unhealthy, consider mixing in some fruits or vegetables to optimize brain power. 

4 A.M.: Read Onward State

For folks who are unaware, Onward State releases its stories for the day at 4 a.m. What better way to pass your time in the wee hours of the morning than reading the blog? With a wide range of articles, from athletics to news to tomfoolery, Onward State has you covered. 

Put down the required readings for a bit and treat yourself to a read that you will actually enjoy. 4 a.m. is basically a daily holiday, and if you’re patient enough, new content will come out on a minute-to-minute basis after the top of the hour as well.

5 A.M.: Utilize Your Off-Campus Gym Membership

If you are craving an early-morning lift, or just an easy walk on the treadmill to stay awake (recommended), then you’re in luck. Places like LionHeart and Planet Fitness open within the 5 a.m. hour, depending on the day. 

Let’s be honest. Nothing is really going on at 5 a.m. If you can make it to sunrise, we highly recommend pushing yourself the extra hour. I’ll make the end of your study session even more rewarding.

6 a.m.: Watch The Sunrise

Few things are as beautiful as a sunrise in Happy Valley. As the orange glow transcends the silhouette of the mountains, State College begins to light up and welcome the new day. 

If you have somehow made it to 6 a.m., treat yourself by taking a walk to the Arboretum or IM Fields and looking east. If you had a productive night, it will be a relieving sign that your work is nearly complete. If you were unproductive, the dawn of the new day will be a worrisome reminder that exams are rapidly approaching. 

Regardless of the situation, if you’re reading this, you’re still awake, so pat yourself on the back for the effort.