We’re almost a month into this fall semester, and by now it’s safe to say that we’ve all decided our stance on our classes: So far, we love them, at least find them bearable or just can’t stand them.
Admittedly, it’s highly likely every student has encountered a class that they aren’t exactly too fond of.
Perhaps the professor isn’t the most energetic or perhaps you may feel that the lecture isn’t exactly relevant to next week’s first exams.
Whatever gripes there may be, we can all agree on one thing: No one likes to fail. While C’s may get degrees, F’s surely don’t.
So the big question is: How can we survive?
Well, first start by going to class. Seems obvious, right? Wrong.
Once the semester kicks into gear, everyone begins to notice an odd phenomenon. There are a lot more empty seats then there were on day one.
Strange, isn’t it? Don’t use your disdain for your class as an excuse to not show up because you’ll never know what crucial information you’ll miss.
Make sure you stay awake. Again, another obvious tip, I know. Think about how many times you’ve nodded off and drifted away into dreamland with the lullaby of your professor’s voice.
I’d be lying if I said I have never done it before. Do whatever you have to do (drink a Red Bull, chew gum, pinch yourself) to keep those bright eyes awake.
Just avoid that awkward moment when the first thing you see when you awake during a discussion of Sigmund Freud is your professor staring right at you.
Also, go to class well-nourished. If you’re hungry, eat Snickers — or whatever else you’d like — to tickle your tummy before the long hour (or two or three) begins.
In class, food is just another distraction or excuse to not pay attention. Well, that and the sound of a gurgling hungry belly.
While in class, take thorough notes. I’m assuming we all would like to pass our exams with flying colors, correct? Unfortunately our education isn’t based off an episode of “Jimmy Neutron,” so we can’t instantly retain knowledge by chewing a piece of “book gum.”
This is especially imperative for those of us with classes full of segues and stories that are completely irrelevant and have nothing to do with the course description. If that’s the case, read the book.
Yes, seriously. That hundred-dollar textbook with 500 pages and four pictures does make a great paperweight, but surprisingly enough, it does much more than that; it can hold a door ajar.
But wait, there’s more: it helps us learn. Can I get three cheers for learning? It’s the reason why we’re all here, anyway.
Those five ideas are just that, simple. Yet a lot of us seem to struggle every once in a while.
If you’re looking for more tips, try wasting less time on social media, doing your homework (another obvious one), and effectively managing your time. Like my favorite (and only) high school English teacher says, “Procrastination is the devil.” (Maybe our mascot is prophetic of our student body.)
Is there such thing as a perfect student? Probably not, but for the thousands of dollars we — or our parents — pay we can definitely make a great effort toward trying to be.
Help Ashley become a better student by contacting her at ahaines@asu.edu.
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