The problem:

I have this lecture the first period for which more students are enrolled than can fit in the lecture theater. Since I detest getting up early, I don’t want to be at uni at the crack of dawn. What’s the best time to come in without having to perch yourself on the stairs?

Best, Alexander

The answer:

Dear Alexander,

It’s not the early rising that would worry me. What you should really fear is an early arrival. As in: turning up on location way too early.

Entering an empty lecture room is no fun. Suddenly, you’re confronted with a range of distracting details: Why is there gum on my desk? Is that camera monitoring my every move? And what’s the deal with all these breadcrumbs and candy wrappers?

Then there’s the problem of being associated with other early arrivals: diligent fellow students you never would have noticed otherwise, but who are now penetrating your comfort zone. And although you could leave for a quick breakfast, you might just as well become one of them and end up in the early arrivals clique.

It’s better to arrive fashionably late than too early. But if you want to outsmart everyone, find some friends who arrive around 8.35 a.m. If they save you a seat, you can walk in at a comfortable 8.38 a.m. That way you’ll also be ahead of part of the Limburg Conga Line (as all trains arrive around 8.30 a.m.).

Good luck, Alexander. I do hope you’ll pay attention at the optimization course from now on.

Do you have a question that deserves a surprise answer? Does your landlord suffer from incontinence, are you confused as to why Vertigo is green, or is there anything else that’s complicating your life at TU/e? Now you can Just Ask Alain!