Walking into any classroom for the first time might be intimidating, but also friendly.
Preparing for the big day can be stressful, and leave you wondering about what’s to come in the future.
Here are a few thoughts you may have before you spend the rest of the semester learning, adapting, and socializing in your pristine environment.
1. “I wish I didn’t have to go to class.”
We all wish that we didn’t, but it’ll benefit you in the long run.
2. “Man, I wish this class was at a different time.”
You’re never going to be happy with your schedule. Once things get going, you'll appreciate the downtime you had at the beginning of the semester.
3. “Should I just not go? Missing the first class shouldn’t hurt.”
What if there is material covered in this class, or if the professor talks about changes to the syllabus or due dates? It’s better to go so that at least you’re aware of what’s going on in class before things get going.
4. “Where am I going to sit?”
If you sit in the front, your teacher will have their eyes on you like a hawk and you have to pay attention- if you participate or even fall asleep, they will definitely remember that. If you sit in the middle, you’re still in your teachers’ view. If you sit in the back, it’s easier to sneak into class when you’re running late and easier to sneak out of class if you truly must leave. Sitting in the back can also allow students to be distracted, since they are not monitored from the back of the room.
5. “Nobody better sit in my unassigned, assigned seat.”
The classic feeling of anger you get when someone sits in your unassigned, assigned seat. It’s an inevitable occurrence that mainly happens when you are late to class. If you love where you sit, try getting to class early.
6. “Do I know anyone in here?”
We always look for our friends when we get to class. We’ll move across the room just to sit with them and catch up. Beforehand, it might be a good idea to ask them about their schedule and compare classes.
7. “I hope I make friends in this class.”
If you make friends, you’ll be able to discuss the topics learned in class, study in a group, compare grades, work on assignments together, and complain about lecture inside and outside of class.
8. “There better not be any group work.”
If you’re like me, you probably hate relying on other people to responsible and turn in their work on time. There’s always that one kid who wants to be in charge and control the group too.
9. “I bet can walk in late- probably won’t miss anything.”
You’re going to be a distraction to those already in class, but it would be a good idea to come and at least listen to the overview of what’s going to happen the rest of the semester.
10. “Can’t forget to bring some snacks with me.”
We all get hungry, and lectures will cause you wonder when lunch is.
11. “Wonder what I’m really going to learn now.”
More often than not, we think are classes are going to teach us something that we won’t actually need to know in the future. It’s better to know than to be a know-not.
12. “Hope we’re just going over the syllabus.”
The syllabus has everything on there: how to contact your teacher, the breakdown of the grading scale, and what is expected of you as a student. It’s the key to success, excluding your own contribution.
13. “Did I need to bring a pencil and some paper?”
These are essential school supplies we all need. It’s always awkward and embarrassing having to ask someone else for their materials when you’re unprepared. Bring it- it’s better to be safe rather than sorry.
14. “Do I really need my textbook already?”
Your teacher should allow time for everyone to purchase their textbooks, at least give students a two weeks’ notice. If you already need your book on the first day, then get ready to learn!
15. “How long is this first class really going to be?”
It really shouldn’t be the whole hour, right?
16. “I’m ready for this to be over. I already know I’m going to be so bored.”
Sure, it might be boring sitting in any lecture- but if you pay attention, time will fly by and you might actually begin to like the topics you’re learning about.
17. “I wonder how hard this class is actually going to be.”
We’re all trying to do our best, but some of us are just trying to survive.
18. “How tough of a grader is this professor going to be?”
We all hope the professor isn’t going to want you to never make a mistake in order to succeed in the class.
19. “Is there any extra credit?”
Extra credit can help whenever you forget to do a homework assignment or do worse than you thought on an exam. Sometimes extra credit points can boost your overall grade up a whole letter- from a C to a B.
20. “When and where is my next class?”
On to the next one!
“Enjoy the little things in life for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.” – Kurt Vonnegut