The 7 Best Times To ‘Get In Early'

This post is presented in partnership with the Australian Government's Unique Student Identifier (USI).

Sometimes being ‘late’ can seem like a good thing. For instance, when you’re trying to be fashionable and decide to turn up to a party a few hours after it’s begun. Or, if you’re Stephen Colbert.

Yet, more often than not, getting in early is the way to go. (Perhaps even when it comes to the whole ‘fashionably late to the party’ move. As Kanye West sang on the aptly-titled “Late”: “Try and make it to the party ‘fore the guest list close.” Do you really want to miss out on a party that includes Kanye West?)

Early birds get a whole lot more than just the worm. Here are the seven best times to ‘get in early’.

Get In Early… Before Your Assignment Is Actually Due

There are few things as stressful as finishing an assignment in the early hours of the morning with the due date rapidly approaching. Save yourself the hassle by getting a head start on the project as soon as it’s been assigned. If you wrap it up with time to spare, hand it in, rather than leave it on your desk at home. Imagine if the dog got a hold of it? Teachers famously do not believe that excuse!

Get In Early… Before Your Parents Arrive Home From Work

At the end of the day, you are entitled to treat yourself to whichever afternoon snack you please. However, if you’re still living at home and your parents are constantly dominating the kitchen, it can be a lot harder to cook up a guilty pleasure under their watchful gaze. Try to be first through the front door; then, that Nutella with Salt and Vinegar chips sandwich is all yours. (Hey, no judgment.)

Get In Early… Before Your Petrol Tank Hits Empty

Cosmo Kramer may have tested the limits of his petrol tank on Seinfeld, but you don’t want to be left in the lurch when your dry-as-a-bone car shudders to a stop on the side of the road. Once you reach the half-way mark on the fuel gauge, pull in to a servo and fill her up. There is no shame in being super-prepared.

Get In Early… Before Flights Become Too Expensive

Suddenly struck with the urge to take a trip overseas (as in, like, tomorrow)? A quick squiz at the massively-inflated flight prices will probably dash those dreams. However, if you start booking now for a trip that’ll take place three to six months (or even a year!) away, you’ll get some great discounts. Sure, you may be the kind of roaming free spirit who doesn’t like to be tied down so far in advance, but at those prices, you just can’t afford not to.

Get In Early… Before Exercising Seems Like Too Much Work

Not only is it more physically beneficial to work out in the morning (your muscle-building hormones are elevated and it boosts your metabolic rate before breakfast) it’s actually a whole lot easier too. If getting out of bed before 6am sounds like a struggle, see what it’s like working up the enthusiasm after a long day at work or school. It’s also worthwhile getting in early at the gym so you don’t end up fighting the crowds for a sweat-stained machine. That is a definite plus.

Get In Early… Before The Concert Begins

Even if it requires you to line up for hours in advance, the benefits of getting to a concert way before an artist is scheduled to take the stage are simply too good to pass up. Not only does it practically guarantee you a spot closest to the stage – in literal spitting distance from the band and in prime ‘guitar pick and set list’ snatching position - you also get to spend way more time amongst a community of like-minded music-lovers. Getting in early allows you a rare opportunity to make brand new friends. Find your tribe… and then battle them for the best spot in the mosh pit.

Get In Early…. And Register For Your USI

Did you know all students undertaking vocational education training need a Unique Student Identifier (USI)? Well, they do! If you’re a VET student and you’ve not already registered – or, if you’re taking up VET in the New Year – you should definitely ‘get in early’ and register today. In time, you will be able to access your VET transcript records (which may be handy to pass to training organisations when you are doing further studies or to potential employers when applying for a job). The sooner you go through the registration process, the sooner you’ll be ready for 2016.

Find out more about the USI here.