Late Nights In The Library

Smokin’ Jim Rossiter gets a kick out of nicotine-stained, caffeine-driven all niters……in the library.

Late nights in the Library have become a standard part of my life at University. That’s just the way it is. The time of year rolls around, it’s nearly time for Christmas, and that means only one thing: DEADLINES!

I’m not the fastest worker in the world by any stretch of the imagination. Another thing that has plagued me for as long as I can remember, is I always think I have more time than I actually do. The day I start an assignment early will be the making of me. You know how it is.

By now you are probably thinking that I have either had too many energy drinks or a distinct lack of sleep. The answer is both. Where am I going with this, you might ask. To be honest I’m not really sure. I’m just rolling with it in between roll-ups.

As I write, I am sitting in the quiet study area which is currently about half full. This is by far the best place to get your work done because downstairs gets pretty noisy – even late at night. (Odd, isn’t it? You’d think there’d be a better place to paaarty.)

But before you can even think about the late shift, you must have the library essentials; otherwise you won’t make it through the night. These consist of a food, tobacco and a shitload of energy drinks. Make sure you have enough cigarette papers and filters. Running out of this stuff at 4 o’clock in the morning can break you. Whereas regular cigarette breaks can make all the difference: they give your mind a rest and the fresh air adds a little kick-up-the-ass.

What if this stuff doesn’t work? You could always take a power nap. Finding somewhere to rest your head for 30 minutes can work wonders. But if old man deep sleep comes a knocking, you’ve had it. Be careful – it’s a thin line that must not be crossed.

If you get past 5 o’clock then you are on the home straight. When the sun comes up it feels like a new day and your body begins to forget you haven’t slept. As soon as the café is open head straight for it. Coffee and a muffin will allow you to make the final push.

The moral of the story is: don’t leave your assignments to the last minute. But since some/many/most of you are going to anyway, just enjoy the rush that comes from meeting your deadline.

Must stop now – time I went out for that cigarette.

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