For many people, starting college can be a confusing and even frightening experience. Most colleges lack the structure and enforced discipline of high school, forcing many students to assume adult responsibilities for the first time in their lives.
One way to relax in the face of new challenges is to know the rules. This is particularly true of classroom behavior. Remember, “etiquette” is not just a series of arbitrary decrees; the rules were developed to make you, your fellow students and your teachers as comfortable and productive as possible.
Here are some simple guidelines to keep in mind:
- Arrive to class on time. Being “fashionably late” may work for parties, but showing up even just a few minutes after class has started can be very disruptive. Plan on getting to class at least five minutes early. This will give you enough time to find your seat, get your books and notes in place, and talk to your friends before the professor takes control.
- Turn off your cell phone. No calls during class. Period. No texting, either. Want to put your professor in a bad mood? Have her catch you checking your iPhone for messages while she’s trying to lecture.
- No whispering. Chattering with your classmates, even in a whisper, is annoying and immature. Don’t think keeping your voice down makes you invisible to the teacher. It doesn’t.
- Computers and recorders. Some professors allow students to take notes using laptops and tape/digital recorders during class while others do not. Be sure to check with the teacher ahead of time as to what the specific classroom rules are regarding this kind of technology.
- Food and drinks. Usually, food and beverages are not allowed in class. Not only do food wrappers and drinks tend to make noise, but crumbs, spills and litter can become nuisances as well as attract insects and rodents.
- End of class. You may get antsy as your classroom session nears its end, but don’t anticipate this by closing your books, shuffling papers, zipping up backpacks, etc. before officially allowed to do so. (Professors hate when students do this.) Don’t worry: Your teachers know how to tell time.
You may also wonder how you’re supposed to address your teacher. Is it, “Professor”? “Doctor”? “Dude”? (Hmmm, probably not “Dude.”) Initially, you can’t go wrong with “Mister” or “Ms.” If your teacher prefers something more—or less—formal, he or she will tell you.
If you have a question about anything else, just remember: You’re an adult now. Act like one. Follow that simple rule and you’ll never go wrong.
