If you go to a large university you will more than likely end up in a classroom with hundreds of students, some classes even as many as five or six hundred. These classes also often come up in your freshman year of college. If adjusting to normal college life wasn’t enough, now you have to adjust to huge class sizes. Here are some tips to help you succeed in these classrooms!
Go to Class
This sounds so simple but it is probably the most important. Make sure you go to class. You may be one of five hundred so it may not seem important to go. No one will know if you’re there or not, right? This may be true but the only way to learn from lecture is to go to lecture. Some professors may still take attendance for a grade so that is motivation in itself!
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
This may be the most intimidating piece of advice. It can be scary to speak up in front of that many people. Trust me though, if you have a question there are probably ten other people in the class with the same question, and many aren’t even paying attention. Ask questions in class so you can get a response straight from your professor to clear things up.
Sit Up Front and Pay Attention
It is so important to sit close to the front in a large classroom. It gives you a better chance of paying attention and helps you from feeling lost in a sea of students. The professor is most likely going to stay up front so it also gives you a chance to stand out and chat with your professor before class. If you know you’re one to get distracted easily try putting your phone away or on do not disturb so you eliminate extra distractions!
Make a Friend
The good thing about large classes is that you have plenty of opportunity to meet new people. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the person next to you if you don’t know anyone else in the class! Having a friend in the class can hold you accountable for showing up. It’s also nice to have a study buddy or someone just a text away when you have a question.
Large classes may seem scary at first but they are manageable if you stay on top of them. They take some adjusting to get used to, but you’ll be acing your classes in no time!