Among the many challenges that college students face, the timing of classes – especially early morning sessions – is a factor that can negatively impact their overall college experience. Advocating for a later start to the academic day is not just about the comfort of sleeping in; it has broader implications for student well-being, academic performance, and overall college life.  

Numerous studies have shown that college students are chronically sleep-deprived. According to a study from the Sleep Foundation, a significant percentage of students report poor sleep quality, which can lead to various health issues such as anxiety, depression, and weakened immune systems. 

Starting classes before 9 a.m. exacerbates this problem. According to an article in Sleep Foundation, “ Adolescents develop a strong tendency toward being a “night owl,” staying up later at night and sleeping longer into the morning.”

According to the National Library of Medicine, cognitive function is closely linked to sleep quality. Students who don’t get enough rest are less likely to retain information, concentrate, and perform well on assignments and exams. 

The pressures of college life can already be overwhelming, and adding the stress of early morning classes can lead to increased anxiety and burnout. Students often juggle multiple responsibilities, including part-time jobs, extracurricular activities, and social commitments. Early classes can force students to sacrifice valuable sleep or social interactions, further exacerbating their stress levels. 

I work best when I don’t have to wake up super early. Being able to have time to wake up and make breakfast in the morning helps significantly. When I am rushing to get to class by 8 a.m., I often have no time or motivation to do any of these daily tasks. 

“I have two classes this semester that start at 7:55 a.m. and it has been rough. Both of these classes have been very challenging for me already, and making them so early in the morning just adds another obstacle,” senior Mae Sila, who attends Long Beach State University, said.

College is not just about academics; it’s also a time for personal growth and socialization. Late-night study sessions, social events, and extracurricular activities are integral to the college experience. 

It’s typically believed that early morning classes can limit participation in these essential activities, leading to less fulfilling college life and potentially impacting mental health. A blog from Denison University, One Twenty Seven, views good grades, a social life, and sleep as a triangle where if you want good grades you have to choose between the former two. 

“It is hard for me to be wide awake by the start of class and be able to retain everything the professor is saying because I am already not a morning person. It would be a lot easier if this class was a little bit later and gave me a little more time to sleep in the morning. I stay up late every night doing homework already so having to wake up extra early makes it that much harder,” Sila said. 

Senior at Long Beach State Benji Guerrero said, “I had one class my freshman year of college that started at 7:40 a.m. and never again. That class was one of the hardest classes I’ve taken and not because of the curriculum.” 

Also, the National Library of Medicine found that students with later start times had higher GPAs than those with earlier schedules. If universities aim to foster an environment of academic success, they should consider how class scheduling impacts learning outcomes. 

“I don’t understand how having a class that early benefits anyone. Not only were all the students in that class tired every morning, but the professor was also tired and you could tell. I really love my sleep so I never took a class that early again,” said Guerrero. 

In a world that is increasingly recognizing the importance of mental health and well-being, colleges need to rethink the necessity of early morning classes. Prioritizing student health, academic success, and overall college experience can lead to happier, more engaged learners. 

By starting classes later, colleges can foster an environment where students are not only academically successful but also able to thrive personally and socially. It’s time to let students rise and shine — on our own schedules.