At one point or another, classes begin to take different formats in college when you get past your basic pre-requisites. Some classes are one hour every weekday, while other lectures are only given twice a week. While being in a class only two days a week sounds like a get-out-of-jail-free card, you still have to deal with it being twice as long as a normal class that you are used to. Trust me, going from 50-minute lectures to 80 minutes and even 110 minutes can be a tough transition.
You can try to pay attention the whole time, and I’ll commend, even applaud you, for it. But there are going to be days when you drag yourself to class and your brain just won’t have it. Here’s what you can do instead of sitting there, feeling like your time is being wasted.
1. Bring other homework
If you’re not going to pay full attention, you can ease your guilt by still being productive another way. Get a homework assignment you were saving for tonight done right away! Then you’ll have more time for other stuff like a social life, a nap, or anything else your heart desires.
2. Bring (quiet) snacks
Emphasis on the word quiet. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than feeling like your chewing sounds are louder than your lecturer’s voice and every other random noise in the classroom. Do everyone, and yourself, a favor and stick to bananas, dried fruit medleys, bagels, yogurt, or trail mix. It’ll give you more energy so you can try and pay attention later or in another class while not broadcasting to the entire class that you are, without a doubt, eating.
3. Start a doodle war
Start a doodle war with yourself or the person next to you. Don’t be a creep about it, but if you know a person in your class that you can sit next to and do this without it being weird then give it a shot. It’s great bonding. Just make sure that person doesn’t actually want to pay attention because then you’re distracting them from getting their money’s worth from the class.
4. Go through your 1374 unread e-mails
Are there more e-mails unread in your inbox than the number of friends you have on Facebook? You should probably fix that. You never know what important e-mail came through that you would “get to later” but never responded to.
5. Check on upcoming exam dates
I mean it’s better than having them sneak up on you. After two or three years of college, you get really over the cramming sessions and all-nighters. Just having the dates in your mind will help you better prepare for exams and big papers.
6. Explore the music scene
Concerts are a great way to let loose and make memories. Check which ones are coming up, you might be surprised who’s coming to your little (or large) college town.
7. Let Tasty inspire you
Everybody knows watching Tasty videos is addicting and hunger-inducing. But we all have to eat sometime! Plan ahead for dinner by what looks good on the internet. Then you can hit up the grocery store later knowing exactly what you need to buy instead of wandering the aisles, buying everything, then having half of it expire later.
8. Catch up on the news
I don’t’ mean to sound like your mom, but you should probably know what’s going on in the world. College kids can get especially caught up in their own little worlds instead of being aware of the real one. If you rely on your classmates’ opinion on the upcoming election, it might be time to do your own research, especially if you plan to vote. Or if you never heard of the Zika virus, look it up, because it’s been on the news for a long time now.
9. Soul search
I mean what other time are you going to look deep inside yourself for life’s meaning? Might as well do it now. The teacher can’t tell that you’re not paying attention.
10. Actually listen and take notes.
You’re already there and thousands of dollars are at stake for getting a good grade in the class. You might as well.
