Conquering Chaotic College Life: Large Lectures
Whether it’s your first year in college or you’ve been in this position before, large lecture halls with big class sizes can seem very intimidating at first. The experience could be challenging with hundreds of students packed in a room, a professor who seems miles away, and fast-paced presentations. But don’t panic—there are ways to turn these long sessions into manageable, even enjoyable, educational opportunities. Here’s how to approach these large lectures with confidence.
- Where you sit matters. Choosing a seat closer to the front minimizes distractions and helps you engage more effectively with the professor. You’ll be less tempted to check your phone or zone out, and it’s easier to see the slides and hear every word. Now I’m not saying sit right in front of the professor, but maybe one of the first few rows. This can also be helpful when your professor is putting names to faces.
- Come prepared. Do any readings, note-taking, or assignments that are due beforehand, a day or two before the lecture, so that all you have to do once you come to class is listen and maybe add a few things to your notes. Also, arrive as early as you can so you have enough time to settle in before class starts.
- Participate! Even in a massive lecture hall, you can still engage. Answer questions posed by the professor, take part in polls, and don’t shy away from asking questions, whether during class or office hours. Being active keeps your mind engaged and prevents boredom.
- Build a Support System. Don’t go it alone! Find classmates to form a study group or sit next to during lectures. Having peers to discuss concepts and share notes with can make the material feel less intimidating. Plus, it’s a great way to build friendships.
- Use technology effectively.
- If you ever have to miss a lecture, utilize the recordings that professors post to go back and review content you might’ve missed.
- If your professor posts any online resources, study tools, or videos that might be helpful to study with…USE THEM!
- Taking notes on the slides by either printing them out or downloading them to your iPad or laptop helps you save time writing notes by only focusing on what the professor is saying.
If you’re struggling, speak up. Visit your professor during office hours or consult a TA. They’re there to help and often appreciate when students take the initiative. Large lectures can feel intimidating at first, but by following these tips, you will feel better about how you learn.
