5 Survival Strategies For Your Toughest Class
Start writing a post
Student Life

5 Survival Strategies For Your Toughest Class

You survived puberty. You can survive this.

50
5 Survival Strategies For Your Toughest Class
Meg Massey

We all have those classes that seem impossible to conquer. In reality, it’s actually super simple. All it takes is a little bit of determination (and a whole lotta coffee) and you’ll be on the fast track to star student status in no time.

1. Show up.

It may seem obvious, but you have to actually go to class. Not only that, but you have to pay attention. Wake up, grab your coffee, sit in your favorite seat, and listen to the lecture. It’s two hours. Going to class will not only keep you regularly reminded of the course subjects, but give you an opportunity to internalize what you are learning by hearing it taught by someone else. Getting notes from other classmates and completing the readings is awesome, but nothing beats being taught in a lecture setting. So go to class. On time.

2. Take notes.

Write, write, and write some more. Taking notes by hand is proven to be more effective than typing on your laptop, but any way you can get the information down is better than nothing. Not only does note-taking keep you more focused on the professor, but it also provides great resources from which to study for exams outside of class.

3. Bring snacks.

Nothing is worse than a case of mid-class munchies. Pack some healthy snacks, but don't be that guy munching on loud chips in the middle of the lecture. Snacking can help your memory, and also keeps you awake and alert.

4. Find a friend.

Having a friend to suffer with helps make even the worst class more bearable. Consider registering for classes with friends, or make a new friend. Friends equal motivators, study buddies, and a second brain to get all the info you missed. Seriously. Friends can mean the difference between a C or an A if you’re smart about it. Cry together. Study together. Make fun of your prof together. Find a friend.

5. Go to office hours

One of the best things you can do is to find help. At some point your notes and study groups just don't cut it, and you need something more. Go see your professor at office hours. For the most past, profs are willing and able to help. They'll get you a tutor, arm you with new study tips, or explain the confusing aspects until you understand. More often than not, admitting that you're struggling shows your professors that you car- - and in turn makes them much more apt to help.

I get it. I’ve been there. I’ll be there again. We all have those classes that just seem unbearable. The awesome thing is, though, that if you’re dedicated to improving, you totally will. Follow these tips to keep you motivated and focused. You survived puberty. You can survive this.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48172
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30581
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954515
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

174891
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments