Some Colgate students prefer to take an early start to the day. Early gym hours, classes and practices create a quiet but active start to the day for those who choose to begin before most of campus is awake.
Sophomore Isabel Cook said she started lifting earlier in the morning during her first year and found the gym environment more comfortable and it gave her a productive start to the day.
“It made me a lot more productive. Sometimes, as a woman, the weight room can be kind of intimidating,” Cook said. “When I was a freshman first starting out in the gym, the early slots had far less people.”
Cook explained that the reduced crowd helped her feel more confident in establishing a routine and returning to the gym consistently.
Early classes also influence how students structure their mornings. Sophomore Maddie Mason, who regularly has 8:30 a.m. classes, said she has developed a more efficient routine as a result.
“Having 8:30s forced me to figure out what actually works in the morning,” Mason said. “I’ve learned how to get up earlier and make sure I’m ready without feeling rushed.”
She added that creating a consistent schedule has made early mornings feel more manageable and set a productive tone for the rest of the day.
“Originally, it was difficult to adjust to being up so early as I enjoy getting my rest, but I appreciated that I ended classes still early in the day so I have the afternoon to relax or start homework,” Mason said.
Similarly, sophomore Maggie Gibbons has early classes and has learned to appreciate the peaceful mornings.
“I honestly love waking up early and getting to experience the campus when there are few people walking around or in buildings,” Gibbons said. “I prioritize sleeping earlier now so that I still feel rested on the days I have earlier classes.”
Gibbons has also built a routine to start her days off on a positive note.
“I wake up, make myself tea, brush my teeth and wash my face and change into my clothes for the day,” Gibbons said. “I ensure I have everything needed for my classes and that I am never rushed, and try to organize the night before to limit what I have to do in the morning.”
While early mornings may not suit every student, those who decide to embrace them often find a quieter campus and a more intentional start to the day. Resting well at night and strong morning routines can lead to productive days for early risers.
