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How to Make Your Professor Your Friend (And Other Tips for Building a Relationship in a Class of 50+)

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Pitt chapter.

You finally got into that wait-listed class with that really cool professor everyone talks about. I mean, they skateboard to class and won $500,000 just for being a genius. You talked to them a few times and found out that you have a lot in common. Not to mention they’re the head of the department you want to major in! You really want to be friends…but there’s like 100 people in your lecture. What can you do to stand out?

1. Sit near the front in the same area every lecture – When you sit in the same spot every class, this helps the professor remember your name and face. Also, it’s no secret that professors like students who sit near the front and seem interested.

2. Email them back – Professors often send out supplementary text or articles. They also might send extra notes or study guides. Make sure to reply back with what helped you and thank them. It shows your appreciation.

3. Visit their office hours – Bring some material that you don’t understand and ask for help. After you get the concepts, ask interesting questions about the professor to learn more about them. Point out things that you have in common or unique facts about yourself to help them get to know you as well.

4. Go to their events – Most teachers either host or go to events in their department. For example, if your English professor tells you about a poetry reading, chances are they are going to be there. If you go, you’ll have something to talk about! Plus, professors love to see students learning outside the classroom.

5. Do well on homework and exams – This is a no-brainer. Show your professor you appreciate them by doing your work! Professors are much more inclined to talk to students who do the readings and turn papers in on time.

6. Say hi when you pass them – Even if you’re on a big campus, it’s likely that you’ll pass your professor on the sidewalk. Make sure to say hello! If they are carrying a lot of things, ask if you can help and ask them how their day is going.

7. Meet with them after the semester ends – You can’t keep a relationship going if you never talk to or see them again! Professors are always happy to see past students and usually don’t mind if you drop in their office from time to time.

8. Show them what you’re working on – Did you write a poem? Code a computer program? Research in a lab? Thinking about studying abroad? Talk to your professor about it! They love to see how students are progressing and what you’re working on outside of class.

Having a professor as a friend is a lot of fun. They’ll tell crazy stories and do crazy things that make you laugh. They’ll also teach you new things without you even knowing it. Plus, it’s nice to have a professor look over your resume or paper before you turn it in. They’ll probably even be more than happy to write you a recommendation letter for grad school, too!

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Sarah Churchman, HC Pitt's Senior Editor, is a super senior at the University of Pittsburgh studying Computer & Information Science with a specialty in User Design! She is the reserach lead in CyREN, the school's cybersecurity lab. Along with InfoSci, Sarah is minoring in Creative Writing with a focus in poetry. She is an editor at Forbes & Fifth, a student-run magazine. She is also part of H2o church. She's obsessed with tacos, Tommy Hilfiger, and ordering things off Amazon Prime!
Thanks for reading our content! hcxo, HC at Pitt