You may be asking, “why do i need to know my professors in uni??? It’s not important that they know me, my class has 1500 people in it what difference would it make??” and to that i say IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE!! Knowing your professor and making sure they know you can make a huge difference in you semester. I’ve had professors who have admitted that they’ll boost the grade of a student they know and like!! So here’s some tips and tricks to getting on your prof’s good side and making sure they know your name.
001: INTRODUCE YOURSELF: This is crucial, obviously, but super important. It’s the first day of class, lecture has just ended, you want to pack up all your things and get to your next class, grab a bite, or go home, but WAIT. After your prof has finished their intro lecture, go up to them and introduce yourself. Tell them your name, why you’re interested in the class, ask them a question about the material, literally ANYTHING. It doesn’t have to be life changing, but expressing your interest and letting them know your name will be the first step to building a relationship with your prof.
002: SIT NEAR THE FRONT AND GO TO CLASS: Now that you’ve introduced yourself, it’s important your professor recognizes you in class. Sit near the front so they can see you, and go to class as much as you can so they know you take their class seriously. If something comes up later in the term and you miss notes or need an extension, your professor will be much more willing to give you what you need if they know who you are and know that you’re always in class.
003: ENGAGE IN LECTURE: And do it as much as you can! Ask questions, answer questions, expand on a point your prof is making. There is nothing more awkward than when your professor is waiting for someone to make a point and the entire hall is silent. Now imagine how awkward your prof feels!! So raise your hand! Even if you get the answer wrong, your professor will know you tried, and nine times out of ten no one will remember who it was that answered the wrong thing in lecture.
004: GO TO OFFICE HOURS: Not all schools have office hours, but if yours does take advantage of them!! Most students don’t, and your professor more often than not spends the whole hour sitting in their office with no one coming to see them. So go!! Your professor most likely wants people to come!! Go with questions, clarification, anything! I’ve even gone to office hours asking a question I already know the answer to, it doesn’t matter but if they think you really care about their material it will be worth it!
