Hopper produced an impressive performance on his return to the starting line-up to help the Shrimpers beat Forest Green Rovers 2-0 on Saturday.
READ MORE: Blues boss Maher previews clash with Rochdale
And the Blues forward is currently enjoying combining his football with studying hard.
“I’m studying a law degree so that’s a nice break from football at times,” said Hopper who is in the second year of the online course.
“It’s taking it’s time and I’ve got to complete it first so we’ll cross that bridge once it comes to it but I have an eye on life after football.”
Hopper is still determined to perform well on the pitch.
And the 32-year-old was pleased to be back to his best at the weekend.
“It’s what I’m capable of but it’s about backing it up and showing it again,” said Hopper.
“The frustration for me is that maybe I haven’t done that enough.”
Hopper was voted man of the match by the club’s supporters.
But he was certainly not alone in impressing against Robbie Savage’s side.
“I thought all of us to a man throughout the squad put in a performance we know we’re capable of,” said Hopper.
“We were rewarded with three points too.
“We were probably frustrated because we wanted a bigger return from the last two home games but we were pleased with Saturday.
“Now we need to go and back that up on Tuesday night.”
Table-topping Rochdale are likely to pose even more problems tonight.
But Hopper is looking forward to the contest.
“We know what Rochdale are about and it feels like we’ve played them plenty of times,” said Hopper.
“They’ll be a good side and they’re up there for a reason.
“They’ll be confident as well but we have the belief in our squad and group that we can cause any team trouble so we’ll be looking to do that tonight.”
The Shrimpers go into the game sitting eighth in the table, a point behind seventh-placed Halifax Town with three games in hand.
And Hopper is not concerned by the quick turnaround for the game.
“It’s enjoyable,” said the forward.
“You want to play as much as you can and that’s the reason why we do it.
“You want the games and we all look after ourselves.
“We have the facilities here to do everything right and we’ll all be ready by Tuesday I’m sure.
“Confidence is high after a win and we have no problems with the games coming every few days.”
Hopper has started three of the last five games for Blues and knows whoever gets selected in attack has a big part to play.
“The aim is to put pressure on the opponents and that does start from the lads up front,” said Hopper. “We want to provide the same impetus from a pressing point of view.”