Tips for Making the Most of Lectures

1
Tips for Making the Most of Lectures
2
Taking full advantage of your lectures will make
a huge difference on your university performance.
Despite many lectures being advertised as
optional, its worth attending all of them, as
they give you a solid base to build upon during
your independent study for the rest of the week.
However, simply attending is not enough. Here are
a few things you need to do to ensure you enjoy
and fully benefit from lectures.
3
1. Sit in the Right PlaceResearch has found that
students who sit at the front and in the middle
when they attend lectures gain the highest
grades. Of course, this could be because the most
motivated students choose these spots, but there
are definitely advantages to these seats. By
sitting at the front, youll be able to hear the
professor more clearly and avoid missing
anything. By being in the middle, youll have an
optimal view of the presentations.
4
2. Take NotesNote taking is a skill that youll
gradually develop during your time at university.
You may like to experiment with different
techniques until you find what works best for you
typed or written, one or multiple colours, and
mind maps or bullet point lists. Its important
to strike a balance between capturing all the key
information and keeping your notes concise
whatever you do, avoid writing the lecture word
for word. In addition, develop a shorthand for
common words and incorporate acronyms.
5
3. Record Your LecturesIt can be worthwhile to
record your lectures, as this will enable you to
refer back to them at a later date. Having
recordings is ideal for clarifying what you meant
in your notes and even for listening to the
entire lecture again, such as when preparing for
a test. Theres no need to purchase a recording
device you can just use your phone. Your seat
at the front and in the middle will come in
useful for producing a clear recording.
6
4. Ask QuestionsMost professors welcome
questions, as it helps them see what students
understand and where they need extra information.
However, if asking questions during the lecture
itself is too intimidating (or if you have no
opportunity), make a note of what you want to ask
and bring it up at a later date.
7

• 5. Eat Healthy Snacks
• If you have an early morning lecture or several
  back-to-back lectures, make sure you keep your
  energy levels up by eating plenty and staying
  hydrated. Just make sure you choose water over
  caffeine and avoid large amounts of sugar
  otherwise, when the effects wear off, youll feel
  more tired than ever.

8

• 6. Attend Lectures with Friends
•  Youre less likely to skip a lecture and more
  likely to stay engaged if you attend with a study
  buddy. Plus, this allows you to compare notes
  afterward to check your understanding and make
  sure you didnt miss anything.
• 7. Figure Out What You Enjoy
• If you end up hating the lectures of a particular
  class, bear this mind when deciding what classes
  to take next semester. Whereas some may be
  unavoidable (unless you switch majors), you can
  at least make sure you enjoy your electives.

9

• Youll be more likely to attend lectures if you
  live near campus. For Brock University off-campus
  housing, you have Regent Student Living. Were
  only a five-minute walk from Brock Arts Campus
  and directly opposite the bus stop you can be
  at university in just 12 minutes. Apply now to
  secure a suite before next semester.