The spring semester is about to begin which means new classes. Regardless of if it is a fun class or not, you're going to have to work with a professor. In my short three months of college, most of my professors have been absolutely amazing. Many of them have actually taught me things in class and others have helped me finetune my future plans.

But in that mix, I've had one or two that were quite difficult to deal with. You know, the kind where you go to their office with some really specific questions and they tell you to Google it first or the outstanding professor who is never there during office hours. No matter what the problem you've dealt with or might this upcoming semester, there are a lot of ways to get through or even past difficult situations. Sometimes having trouble in class is your fault, but if it isn't you've got options.

1. Move to a different section.

You've got a few weeks where you can change classes without penalty. If you feel you aren't learning in class, the material doesn't run with the quizzes, or if working with that professor doesn't work for you then you shouldn't be afraid to change sections of the class. If you are further along in your major you might not have this option, but in general education classes there is usually an abundance of professors to choose from. Even if you feel dramatic changing class sections, if it takes stress off your workload it is worth it.

2. Talk to your professor early on.

Even if it is just clarification on things you picked up in class, talking to your professor before there is trouble shows that you're trying to prevent problems and bad grades. If you start asking for help after the problem, they might not take you as seriously. It sucks, but it might save you later.

3. Reach out to other professors and tutors.

If you are having problems with professors or classes in your department and you feel like you're running out of options for help, you're not entirely out of luck. For lower level and general education classes tutoring is often offered for free. It will give you one on one attention where you are struggling, give you a study buddy, or help decipher confusing professor messages. If it is in your department, chances are you have connections with other professors or your advisor. If you have a favorite professor that knows the topic there is no harm in asking them for some help.

4. Take the class later.

This option has to be done pretty early in the semester, but if you have enough time left in your college career to take the class at a different time then that's ok. Sometimes it's not you or the professor, the class just isn't working for you that semester. Take a different class instead.

5. Stand your ground.

I recently had a class where there wasn't any tutoring option, the professor would avoid answering questions, and he was always very vague about assignments. Instead of trying to muddle my way through the final I sat down with him again and asked the same questions I had asked before. I didn't let his flippant attitude intimidate me out of his office and I finally got answers and clarification. Professors are supposed to help you when you get lost, sometimes you just have to be firm in your right to get that help.

When you mess up in a class, a lot of the time it will be your fault. There are so many things you can do to prevent that from happening or fix it once it does. At the same time, it isn't always your fault. It is important to figure out the differences so you know what needs to be fixed when problems arise.