Advice on pulling an "all-nighter"?

[ModerateRepZero]

I have a 15 page history paper worth 50% of my grade due on the 23rd. So far I have written 1/2 a page. While I still have about 5-6 days, I am hoping to get it done by Mon/Tues, so that I can complete a 17 page poli sci paper in the next few days (it's due either by the 19th if I want my grade, or 1/16 if I don't mind my grades coming back late). Because of the self-imposed deadline, I'm planning to head to a 24 hour computer lab and then write as much as I can. Since I am one of those who gets distracted easily (anandtech and WoW forums ftl), and needs sleep and food, I was wondering what advice those who have had to pull all-nighters or other intense sessions have (I do have a bottle of full-throttle if caffeine is suggested).
As for why I don't just write the history paper and worry about the other plsc paper afterwards, I would like to celebrate x-mas and raid in WoW without this hanging over my head....

 

[Toastedlightly]

5 no doze and no internet.

 

[tweakmm]

1)Unplug your ethernet cord
2)Ingest stimulant of choice(I'm prescribed amphetamine so that's mine, I do not condone illicit activity so you'll probably have to stick with caffeine)
3)Sit down and write paper

 

[secretanchitman]

if you dont need the internet, just unplug the cable/disable wireless or whatever you need to do.

or if you're really getting distracted, just go to a computer where there is no network card in it.

 

[S Freud]

Lots of rockstar

 

[yankeesfan]

Get some good sleep beforehand, and make sure that once you sit down, you are working only on the paper. If you feel your thought process straying, just remind yourself to concentrate on it.

Also, read some of Politics and News to make sure that you stay away from Anandtech for a while.

 

[ponyo]

drop out now. Save your money and time.

 

[Toastedlightly]

Originally posted by: ModerateRepZero
I have a 15 page history paper worth 50% of my grade due on the 23rd. So far I have written 1/2 a page. While I still have about 5-6 days, I am hoping to get it done by Mon/Tues, so that I can complete a 17 page poli sci paper in the next few days (it's due either by the 19th if I want my grade, or 1/16 if I don't mind my grades coming back late). Because of the self-imposed deadline, I'm planning to head to a 24 hour computer lab and then write as much as I can. Since I am one of those who gets distracted easily (anandtech and WoW forums ftl), and needs sleep and food, I was wondering what advice those who have had to pull all-nighters or other intense sessions have (I do have a bottle of full-throttle if caffeine is suggested).
As for why I don't just write the history paper and worry about the other plsc paper afterwards, I would like to celebrate x-mas and raid in WoW without this hanging over my head....

One bottle is for the first 20-24 hour stint. After that, it is time to whip out hte big guns.

 

[Stunt]

Get rid of internet
Keep room as cold as possible
Play upbeat music
Alternate between coffee and cold water
Sit upright
Well lit room
Walk around and stretch every 20mins.

 

[dawnbug]

Do you already have your papers organized? If not, sit down and figure out exactly what you're going to say before you sit and type. Make an outline, find your sources, etc. Then just sit and write it.

I can write a 15 page paper over a few stretches of time. Set a goal for one day-- 7 or 8 pages or something, relax when you've got that much done, and then do the same thing the next day. No need to stress about this. If you know what you're going to say, 7 or 8 pages shouldn't take you that long. Then do the same thing with the next paper.

If you try to stay up and do it all at once and overnight, your paper's going to suck.

 

[Juno]

stay away from sugar.

 

[FoBoT]

take a nap

 

[austin316]

adderal (sp?)

 

[tweakmm]

Originally posted by: austin316
adderal (sp?)

Adderall.

Breakfast of champions.