5 Things to Remember about In-Person Classes

If you haven't set foot in a college classroom in a few years, you're not alone. There are many emotions for student veterans who face in-person requirements for their college classes. And whether it's been due to active duty, the pandemic or the break in your education, the same challenges face everyone. If you can remember these five things about in-person classes and plan accordingly, you'll be off to a great start.

Instructional Pace

Online and in-person instruction vary in intensity, reading volume, and pace. In-person learning tends to go faster, and professors expect students to read and study before classes. The instructional speed may vary from day to day based on feedback and questions from students, so it's essential to make sure you're prepared to take notes in real-time, as in-person classes can't be paused or replayed like online lectures.

The Social Aspect

Online learning situations allow the student to block out all potential distractions and focus on the content at their own pace. In-person classes bring social interactions and an environment that will take some getting used to. Some of the social interaction is expected, like when you are assigned group work, and some of it is entirely up to you, the student. Do you want to ask questions in a lecture hall? Do you want to start a small study group? Planning and adjusting to your comfort levels will help you feel comfortable.

Sensory Overload

Do you remember the first time you walked into a crowded grocery store or attended a sporting event after many months of isolating and staying home? It was overwhelming for most of us to return to so many sights, sounds and people. Returning to an in-person learning environment may also result in some sensory overload. The sounds of phones buzzing, people talking, smells of perfume, and even the clacking of keyboards as classmates take notes can all be too much. If you haven't had much exposure to other people over the past few years, consider some shorter outings with a gradually increasing number of people.

Give Yourself Extra Time

Another great benefit to online learning was that if you needed to be online for a live lecture or test, you could roll out of bed just a few minutes before. Online meant not having to worry about the commute, weather or parking. But by returning to in-person classes, all of that is back. School will take more of your time, and you must plan accordingly, taking the time to organize meals for when you're out of the house, figuring out where your classes are and how long it's going to take to get there on time.

Give Yourself & Others Time

Returning to in-person classes is new for everyone. Your professors, fellow students, and even the faculty and staff of the campus have been living and working in a very different world for the past two years. Everyone is transitioning back, and some will need a little more time. Be patient, be courteous, be understanding.

Online learning has its place, and you may still be taking some classes this way as you head back into the classroom. Combining the two learning environments will make you a better student and give you an advantage as you enter the workforce.

Ready to learn more about navigating the higher education system as a veteran? Start here.