One of the most important resources in college is office hours. Professors and teaching assistants set aside this time specifically for students, yet many of us hesitate to go. Maybe it feels intimidating, maybe you’re unsure what to say, or maybe you think you should only go if you are struggling. Office hours are a key asset for all students, and learning how to approach them can make a significant difference in your academic journey throughout your four years of college.
Rethink what office hours are
Office hours aren’t necessarily only for asking questions when you are lost. They are a chance to:
- Clarify concepts from lectures or readings
- Talk through assignments, quizzes, exams
- Get feedback on your ideas
- Explore your professor’s career path and/or research. Or just get to know your professors on a personal level!
- Ask your professors about their specialty, interests, ongoing research, etc. Oftentimes, professors love to talk about this with students because it is what they are passionate about.
- Build a stronger academic relationship that could lead to mentorship or recommendation letters down the line
They’re ultimately an open-door invitation to learn, connect, and grow.
Prepare ahead of time
Walking in with a plan helps you feel more confident. Before going to office hours, try to do the following:
- Review your notes and highlight areas that are confusing to you
- Write down specific questions
- “Can you help me understand why we apply this formula here?” is much better than “I don’t understand this question/chapter.”
- Bring your assignment or readings with you so you can point to specific examples
Go early and often
Don’t wait for right before an exam to show up; it can feel overwhelming and you’ll miss the chance to build a connection. Going early in the semester, even just to introduce yourself, makes office hours less intimidating later on. It also shows professors that you are engaged and proactive. This skill will also help you in your future, whether you’re building relationships with mentors, networking in your career, or learning how to advocate for yourself in professional settings. If you are unsure what to say early on in the semester, here are some general questions you can ask your professors to get to know them and the class better:
- What is the best way to study for this class?
- What topics do students tend to struggle with the most? What advice would you give to better prepare for these topics?
- Do you have suggestions for practice resources outside of the assigned work?
- What do you like most about this class?
- How can I succeed in this class?
On your own time, it is a good idea to jot down the key takeaways you learned so you don’t forget. If your professor suggested resources or a strategy, don’t feel intimated to try them out.
Office hours are one of the simplest ways to get more out of your classes, but they are also a door to deeper learning and stronger connections. By going early in the semester, asking questions, and showing up prepared, you will find professors are more approachable than you might think, and you’ll be doing so while setting yourself up for success.
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