This is the first part of our series of FAQs on studying in America.
We asked a selection of students, already in the US, to share the wisdom of their experiences with us. This is what some of them wrote back to say.
Our topic: How do I deal with jet lag?Reply 1 from Nishi Mishra, University of Minnesota,Twin Cities, Minnesota
Drink lot of fluids through out your flight. Try to sleep as much as you can during the flight. But do walk around in the flight every now and then so that your legs don't get cramped.
Reply 2 from Sridhar Vedachalam, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
There is nothing much that can be done to offest jetlag. Therefore, it is necessary to plan your trip in such a way that you land well before the classes start and take adequate rest after reaching there.
Reply 3 from Kavita Thomas, formerly at Boston University, Boston Massachusetts
Stay awake till a decent time at least 9 pm local time. That way you will sleep through the night.
Reply 4 from Suba Vasudevan, formerly at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Many students may end up jet-lagged, if they don't catch up on beauty sleep on the flight. Plus sitting in uncomfortable positions for prolonged hours may tire you out. The result: you will be sleepy at all odd hours like 7 pm and wake up at 4 am! The only advice that works: try to catch all the sleep you can on the flight and when you arrive in the US, force yourself to stay awake until it is the usual bedtime hour. It may be tough for the first few days, but within a week, you should be fine!
Reply 5 from S, a student in Michigan
Best thing is to let it work itself out. Try not to sleep during the day - drink coffee. You'll definitely fall asleep at night.
Reply 6 from Sunanda Santwan, formerly at Richmond College, London
Try and keep to the time that it is there. Take an afternoon nap for no more than 2 hrs max and then stay awake
again till night time. the natural instinct to sleep as soon as you get in means you sleep during the day and are awake all night which means you take much longer to get over the jet lag. Allow one day for each hour's time difference to get over jet lag.
