Thriving in the Lecture Hall: How to Succeed in Large College Classes

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Hey Hawks! Entering your first large college lecture can feel intimidating. Hundreds of students, a professor speaking from across the room, and the environment can make it difficult to know how to stay engaged and succeed. However, with the right strategies and mindset, a large lecture can become one of the most enriching and manageable parts of your college experience. Here are several key habits and practices to help you not only survive but thrive in a large lecture setting.

The simplest but most powerful piece of advice is this: show up. Even if attendance is not required, consistent participation is one of the strongest pieces of academic success. Being physically present allows you to hear explanations, examples, and insights that might not appear on the slides or in the readings. Professors often clarify complex topics, make important announcements, or share advice about exams and assignments in class. Beyond that, attending regularly builds a routine. It helps you stay connected to the course material and prevents you from falling behind. When you attend every lecture, studying for exams becomes less about relearning information and more about reinforcing what you already understand.

A major challenge in large lectures is maintaining focus. With so many people and so much going on, it’s easy to get distracted, especially by your phone. One of the best things you can do for your concentration is to put your phone away completely. Try placing it in your bag or turning on “Do Not Disturb” mode before class begins. When your phone is out of sight, it’s out of mind, allowing you to engage fully with the lecture. Remember that distractions don’t just waste time; they break your focus. Each time you look down at your screen, it takes your brain several minutes to reorient to the material. Protect your attention. It’s one of your most valuable academic tools.

The next thing I will say is choose your seat strategically. Where you sit in a lecture hall matters more than you might think. Sitting near the front or in the middle section can significantly improve your ability to hear, see, and stay engaged. When you sit closer to the instructor, you naturally feel more accountable and alert. The physical closeness helps reduce distractions from other students and encourages active participation. Professors also tend to notice the students who regularly sit near the front. This visibility can make it easier to build connections, ask questions, or receive feedback later in the semester. It shows initiative and a genuine interest in learning.

My last piece of advice is to attend Office Hours and seek support. Be your biggest advocate for yourself. One of the most underused resources in college is office hours. Many students assume they should only go if they are struggling, but office hours are valuable for everyone. Visiting your professor or teaching assistant (TA) allows you to ask questions, clarify confusing concepts, and deepen your understanding of the material. These meetings also help you build professional relationships. Professors remember students who take the time to engage with the course beyond the lecture hall. Over time, this can lead to mentorship opportunities, research involvement, or strong letters of recommendation. If you are unsure what to say during office hours, start small, ask about an assignment, request clarification on a lecture topic, or seek advice on how to study effectively for the class. The key is to show curiosity and initiative.

Thriving in a large lecture isn’t about being the loudest voice or the most confident student. It’s about being intentional, showing up, staying engaged, and taking ownership of your learning. With consistency and curiosity, those massive lecture halls will start to feel a little smaller, and your confidence will continue to grow. So, future Hawks, walk into that lecture hall knowing that you belong there. Take your seat, put your phone away, open your notebook, and be ready to learn. You’ve got everything it takes to thrive.

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Balancing It All: My Tips for Surviving College Life

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Hey future Hawks! I know how hard the first few weeks can be, trying to get into a routine and find a balance for everything. I hope this helps you later on! In college, balance is something that’s so important. It keeps your mental health in a good place and helps prevent burnout.

The first thing I want to say when it comes to classes, social life, and involvement is that classes come first! Prioritize them. I know it may be hard because you see other people doing fun things, but trust me, it’ll pay off in the long run. Remember, this is your job! One thing that helps me stay organized and not feel overwhelmed is keeping a schedule. I use a calendar app and also write things down on paper, so nothing overlaps. When something comes up, I immediately put it on my calendar. This not only helps me stay organized, but also ensures that all the important things get done first.

Another big tip is to decide when you learn best. For example, I learn better at night, so that’s when I study. Once you figure out what time works best for you, make a consistent study schedule and stick to it. Overall, it all comes down to having a routine that works for you.

Now, let’s talk about the social side. Having friends helps so much with stress, and it’s an easy way to get your mind off school. One of my favorite things to do is study with friends; it’s productive and fun. You’re getting your work done while also spending time with people who motivate you. Just remember, balance is key. Know when to set boundaries and take time for yourself.

Lastly, get involved! Joining clubs that genuinely interest you is one of the best things you can do in college. You’ll meet new people, make connections, and find your community. Involvement shouldn’t feel like another task; it should be something that excites you. Plus, it helps break up your week and reduce stress because you’re doing something you enjoy. Start small, don’t overload your schedule, and remember that it’s okay to try different things until you find what fits.

All in all, balance is something that looks different for everyone. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change it up. College is a time for growth, learning, and figuring things out. You don’t have to have it all together; none of us do! As long as you’re trying your best and giving yourself grace along the way, you’re doing great.

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From Blank Walls to a Cozy Corner

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Hey, Future Hawks! Moving somewhere new can be overwhelming, but so can moving into a new space. This process can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time, and that’s okay! When I first moved into my dorm, all I saw were blank walls and empty corners, but slowly, I turned it into something cozy that felt like home.

When planning my dorm, one of the first things I realized was how much comfort mattered. A dorm room may be small, but adding cozy touches makes a huge difference. I started with a soft cream that instantly warmed the space. Then came the bedding with pink, gray, and white with hints of orange and blue to tie all my colors together. Of course, plenty of blankets and pillows (because let’s be honest, you can never have too many).

Once the basics were in place, I focused on making the room mine. I hung up pictures of my friends and family, so no matter how far away I was, I still had familiar faces around me. I also added bright travel posters like ones of Capri and Mykonos, which not only bring a pop of color to my walls but also remind me of places I want to explore one day. To top it off, I brought along a few stuffed animals because sometimes you just need a little piece of childhood comfort during a brand-new adventure.

Then the final touch? Smell. It might sound small, but adding a Bath & Body Works wallflower completely changed the vibe of my room. Every time I walked in, it smelled fresh and familiar, which made it feel more like home.

Looking back, my dorm went from blank walls to a cozy corner that feels like me. If you are excited about building your own space next year, remember it’s all about the small, personal touches that make it feel like home.

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Why Iowa? How I Found My College

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Hey Future Hawkeyes! I know exactly how overwhelming the college process is; I’ve been there. When I started looking at schools, I had no idea where I wanted to be, all I knew was that I didn’t want to be too close to home so I could grow. I remember telling my parents that I wanted to find a college that felt like me, and a home. The moment I learned about the University of Iowa, the more I started to love the thought about going and spending the next four years here.
Iowa stood out from the start. Coming from a small town, I wanted a place where I wouldn’t feel lost in the crowd. Iowa gave me the best of both worlds: a big school with endless opportunities, but a campus and community that still feels close-knit and personal. From the vibrant downtown to the welcoming student spaces, I could instantly imagine myself there. Everyone that I met seemed excited to be a part of this community. There was a sense of pride, support, and belonging. The kind that makes me want to thrive.
Iowa also checked all my boxes academically. As a future Speech Pathologist, I was looking for strong academics, real-world experience, and a supportive environment. Iowa offers all of that and much more. I felt like I wouldn’t be just a number but a valued student with real opportunities to learn, grow, and prepare for my future career.
More than anything, Iowa just felt right. I could picture myself walking across campus, studying in the library, going to football games, and meeting friends who feel like family. I could see myself belonging here, and that’s what made all the difference.
If you’re still figuring it out, I get it. It’s okay to not have it all figured out right away. College decisions are hard, but I promise the right place will find you when you least expect it. If you’re looking for a university that welcomes you with open arms, challenges you to grow, and gives you a real sense of community, Iowa might be exactly what you’re searching for.
I can’t wait to make memories here, and maybe one day, you’ll be writing your own “Why Iowa” story too.

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