Now that we’ve adjusted to 2014, for us college students that means we’ve officially started winter quarter! In my opinion, there has always been something special about winter quarter. Maybe it’s because it starts with the New Year or maybe it’s the fact that we’ve get a shot at redemption. Either way, at some point it is every college student’s new years resolution to do better than last quarter. Attending lectures plays a huge part in the outcome of the quarter, so here are some tips to break bad lecture habits so that it’ll be a little easier to actually get through a lecture without wanting to drop out of school or ransack the nearest Taco Bell.
1. ONLY SITTING IN AISLE SEATS
For some reason, it’s like an unspoken rule for early people to just take aisle seats. Which leaves the entire middle section empty…This just makes an awkward situation for everyone, because now multiple people will have to involuntarily get in someone’s personal space by giving them a full frontal view of their rear. Just avoid all that awkwardness and scoot down a few seats.
2. AVOID BACK ROWS
I know it is easy to choose the back rows because you can be the first in and out of the classroom. But if you are trying to get serious this year, the back row is not where you want to be. First off, you can barely see anything and second, other people will probably be falling asleep which will be a hindrance especially if they are heavy breathers, head bobbers or worst case scenario, snorers which is just too embarrassingly funny to ignore. Trying opting for the middle row, it’s a nice compromise for those who want to focus but are too shy to talk in class by sitting in the front.
3.SANDWICHED
Try not to be that person that tries to sit in between two empty seats, because it will be more awkward for you later. Not only will people get annoyed when looking for a place to sit, but if two friends decide to sit in those two seats then more likely than not they will talk over you or around you or even to you! Either way, say goodbye to focusing in that lecture.
4.VIBRATE IS NOT SILENT
Professors are always saying, “Turn your phone off” and so automatically we put it on vibrate. I don’t know who decided vibrate was less distracting than a ringtone, but it is honestly just as loud and all you can think when you see that phone going off on a desk is “are you serious”…Turn your phone on silent and then you’ll feel even more popular when you see a lineup of texts at the end of class!
5. TAKING UP BOTH ARM RESTS
One subtle yet highly annoying habit that even I tend to do, and most people do unconsciously is take up both armrests! It’s hard to remember but there is only one armrest per person. If that’s you, just know you are making a very cramped and uncomfortable situation for those around you.
6. INSTAGRAM
Coming from an insta-holic, let me warn you…one notification check will turn into an entire hour, and you will come out of lecture dazed and confused.
7.LEG SHAKING
Nobody, and I mean nobody likes a leg shaker. I understand it can be subconscious but unless you want dirty looks from the entire lecture, please try to control your legs.
8. EATING CHIPS SLOWLY
This habit is more so ironic than bad. It is understandable that people get hungry in class, but let me say on behalf of everyone…eating a bag of chips in slow motion does not make it any less loud or crunchy. If anything it is better to eat it loud and fast than to take the whole class period slowly munching on a bag of chips because you think that no one will notice.
9. EARLY PACKERS
There has never been a lecture I have attended where I haven’t heard at least one backpack zip up by the ten-minute mark. All it takes is one packer and then everyone packs up as if lecture was already over. Not only is that rude for the people who actually want to learn, but it is disrespectful to the professor. Also sometimes, professors save the best for last and there is actually information to learn within the last ten minutes.
10.TALKERS
And finally, the most obvious bad habit that prevents a successful lecture, are the motor mouths. These are the people who have only one volume and believe every comment they say is important. In lecture, the only comments that really matter are the ones coming from the professor.
Keeping these tips in mind, I am confident you will be at least one step closer to a successful quarter.