Night Classes: The Situationship You Just Can’t Quit

They steal your nights, wreck your vibe—and yet, you keep coming back for more.

by Keira Shannon

Graphic by Keira Shannon

We’ve all been there—signing up for a night class, thinking, How bad could it be? The idea of sleeping in and only committing to one night a week sounds like the perfect setup. But soon, you’re in too deep, trapped in a never-ending academic situationship you just can’t quit.

Let’s break down this messy, low-commitment fling from the first sparks to that final sweet goodbye.

The Honeymoon Phase

At first, it’s bliss. Sleepy mornings, carefree afternoons, and deadlines you can push off for days. You’re convinced this is a genius move, thinking, Why didn’t I do this sooner? Night classes are like the perfect “no strings attached” deal—you’re in, you’re out, and the rest of your week is yours. 

What could go wrong? Spoiler: everything.

The First Red Flag

By week three, things start to get real. Suddenly, exams, projects, and club meetings pile up, and your once-relaxing schedule? Completely gone. All you need is one night to catch up, but no—your night class is clingy. 

It wants all your attention, showing up week after week, demanding you drop everything for it. And just like that, you’re starting to regret this whole arrangement.

The FOMO, Ghosting, and Takeover

Here’s where the FOMO sets in big time. Your friends are out grabbing sushi, hitting the Fenway bars, or trying that cute new ice cream spot in Cambridge, while you’re stuck in class, trying not to scream. You tell yourself—and your friends—“It’s not that bad.” But deep down, you know the truth: your night class is running your life. 

What started as a cute, once-a-week fling has turned into a full-blown situationship. You’re planning your entire week around this class like it’s your full-time job.

The Late-Night Regret and the Final Breakup

Now, you’re walking home in the freezing cold, drained from hours of class, asking yourself, Why did I ever sign up for this? It’s like that 2 AM text you sent that you instantly regret.

Still, there are moments that keep you hanging on—early dismissals, a professor who’s actually chill, or that one time you didn’t have homework. But when the semester finally ends, you feel nothing but sweet, sweet relief… with just a tiny hint of nostalgia.

You swear you’ll never do this again…

But let’s be real—you probably will.