Without fail, there is always that one class where you find yourself barely keeping your eyes open, much less understanding what your professor is saying. Between episodes of nodding off, you constantly check the time, only to be disappointed to learn that only two minutes have passed. Rather than asking, "When will this class end?" you should be asking, "What can I do to stay focused and get the most out of this class?" At $272 per credit hour, you should at least get a little something out of the worst classes. Here are a few ways that I have discovered help get something out of that class—even if you would rather suffer through bamboo shoots shoved under your nails instead.

1. It may not be the professor's fault.

Part of overcoming a miserably boring class is your whole mindset. If we are honest, it is easy to blame the professor for how boring their class is. In reality, it is not their fault that calculus, world literature, American history, etc. are not subjects that interests you. However, that subject is something your professor is passionate about and they are usually trying very hard to share their passion with you and the rest of the class. Instead of blaming your professor, try hopping aboard with them! You never know what you might find interesting.

2. Get sleep.

As tempting as that invite to the latest and greatest party or the release of the newest season of your favorite show on Netflix might be, if it is going to prevent you from getting at least eight hours of sleep, just say no. Not enough sleep makes you doze off during class, and if you are sleeping through the class, you most definitely are not learning anything.

3. Put away the electronics.

Today everyone is obsessed with their cellphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices. Although these electronics are beneficial, they should be left alone in class unless you are actually taking notes on them or expecting an important phone call. It is too easy to pick up your phone or browse through your laptop on Tumblr, but it prevents you from hearing a word the professor says. Planning your dream wedding on Pinterest or texting your friend about where you will meet them for lunch benefits you much less in the long run than actually listening to your professor.

4. Bring some water.

The only time where this is a no-go is if your class is a lab. However, bringing some nice, cold water to class will tremendously improve your focus in class. It wakes up your body and mind. Plus, dehydration weighs you down, and you are unable to focus. A few sips of water can take you from falling asleep in class to alert and focused. When you are actually alert in class, you will get so much more from it.

5. Sit closer to your professor.

Sitting hidden in the back is something I am guilty of, but a great idea is that the closer you sit to your professor, the better. When you sit close to your professor, it is harder to give in to distraction for fear of being called on in front of the entire class. Also, you can actually hear what they have to say and might actually learn something.

6. Research a little more to better understand in class work or lectures.

I know nothing sounds more torturous to a college student than voluntary homework, but it can help a great deal—especially in your hopelessly boring class. In no way am I saying read all eight research books, watch two five-hour-long documentaries, and read every National Geographic Magazine on the subject. However, John Green hosts some pretty painless informational videos on a variety of subjects in the Mental Floss channel on YouTube. They provide relevant information on several topics in a humorous fashion. By doing this outside research, you can make better connections in class.

There are many other ways you can garner information out of the worst of classes, but these are some of the ways that work best for me. Even if it seems hopeless, there is always a way to get something out of a class!