Having trouble waking up for class? Try an alarm clock.

By: Nicole Alvarado

Posted: 8/20/08

Everyone wakes up differently. Some people bolt out of bed; other people hit the snooze button once, twice, even three times. Some are gently lulled awake by the increasing volume of their favorite song; others need the shrill ring of a traditional American "tin can" alarm clock to shock their senses into a state of awareness. One thing most students can agree on, though, is the vitality of an alarm clock to their daily schedule.

College is exhausting - there is really no two ways around it. Even if a student does the bare minimum, he will often find himself more tired than he can recall in recent memory. Students rediscover their appreciation for the afternoon (or evening, or mid-morning) nap. They find themselves watching the sidewalk on their way to class and thinking, "Hmm…that slab looks particularly soft…and cozy…and amazing." Very basic procedures, such as brushing their teeth and combing their hair, become like rocket science. Thus the importance of a device that wakes them up.

The idea of the alarm clock has been in existence since the 14th century. Of course, those were a far cry from the Hello Kitty-emblazoned piece of plastic that adorns many a bedside table these days. They were usually large and ornamental. In 1876, the Scott Thomas Clock Company of America invented the closest thing to an early alarm clock that has yet been discovered.

The design evolved over the years: Now there are even alarm clocks on our cell phones and computer desktops. They can be purchased almost anywhere and come in an astonishingly wide variety of styles and prices. At Wal-Mart, they carry everything from a basic AM/FM clock radio ($8) to an iPod Bluetooth clock radio ($200). Target offers a similar AM/FM clock radio for the competitive edge of $1 less than Wal-Mart's version to an entire stereo system ($400) among whose numerous capabilities lies, indeed, an actual timed alarm. Of course, amongst the trendy, affordable middle ground Wal-Mart offers, there is a stunning replica of the traditional-style tin-bell alarm clock with a Bratz appliqué face for a mere $7.92 available for purchase.

It is important to keep in mind the individual nature of every person's morning ritual. Some people wake up to the slightest noise; others sleep through hurricanes.

It is also helpful to consider potential solutions to many alternative living situations. An example: Jessica and Jamie are roommates and got along very well. Pretty much the only difference of opinion they ever had was concerning their alarm clocks. Jessica had earlier classes than Jamie, so Jessica would set the alarm on her cell phone for whatever her ringtone was at the time. Jamie had an older alarm clock that just beeped repetitively and monotonously until turned off. Jessica slept through Hurricane Katrina. Jamie jumped awake if someone so much as whispered in the same room.

Moral of the story: to this day, Jamie cannot hear Dead or Alive's "You Spin Me Round" or Hilary Duff's "Wake Up" without cringing.

Again, everyone is different. It is important for students to keep an eye out for the specific manner of a-rising which is most effective per individual. Until then, here are the links for bus routes (transport.tamu.edu) and an on-campus map (campusmaps.tamu.edu). They will come in handy.