It's the crunch time before finals; everyone needs to stay up to do some studying or finish that 20-page final paper. You don't? Face it, it's the Hopkins way.
Red Bull
The classic all-nighter aid, each slim silver and blue can of Red Bull packs a potent, carbonated combination of taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone and B-vitamins that have helped college students party harder and study longer since the 1980s. The stuff definitely keeps you awake and relatively focused, but sip carefully -- too much can leave you feeling nauseous. Tip: counting carbs? A sugar-free variety (look for the light blue pull tab) is also available, if you would rather not eschew some 27 grams of the sweet stuff present in the standard can.
Starbucks Frappuccino
This Starbucks staple comes in compact, sexy glass bottles reminiscent of the milk bottles from an earlier era. Of the three flavors, mocha and vanilla edge coffee in our palatability tests. It might take a few servings to keep you up, but this stuff tastes so good that it won't matter.
Coffee
When it comes to combating sleep, don't overlook the world's most popular beverage. For those night owls who have access to a coffeemaker, making your own pot of joe might be the best option. Slowly sipping a steaming mug of coffee may even relieve the stress induced by your late night exam-cramming or paper-writing. Don't get carried away, though -- stop at three or four cups. And if brewing your own grinds isn't an option, instant coffee offers a reasonable alternative.
Starbucks Doubleshot
Packaged in a sinister-looking, brown, pull-tab can, each Doubleshot crams a very rich and potent serving of milk, espresso and cream into a neat, slim package. Though the pasteurization process gives it a hint of burnt milk, the Doubleshot is still one of the more efficient ways to get some caffeine into your system. And until the new Starbucks opens in Charles Commons next fall, you'll have to rely on this prepackaged iced coffee to get your fix.
Beyond Beverages
Preparation for your all-nighter begins at dinner, where you should avoid gorging yourself. Stick to complex carbs and protein-rich foods that will keep your mind and body plugging away into the wee hours of the morning. Set up your workspace so that it is well-lit and comfortable -- but don't lie down or get too warm: both may lead to drowsiness. Be sure to take breaks to avoid fatigue. Keep lethargy at bay by making up your own breathing exercises -- jumping jacks or pushups will work well. Having a study partner can help if him or her doesn't distract you from what you have to do. Whenever desperation starts to set in, tell yourself that if you don't finish your work, then five years from now you'll end up penniless and lonely, herding sheep in the barren steppes of Mongolia.
