Be present to the right location a little early. Plan to head to the location early, just in case clocks vary or unexpected delays pop up.
Know the instructor’s name. Have whatever books or materials ready and with you. Have needed tools for taking notes. Turn your phone off when you enter the room.
Be rested if at all possible. Look rested and attentive no matter how you feel. Seriously, take time to wash your face, brush your teeth, comb your hair (not a time to have fashionable bed-head) and put on appropriate, comfortable, clean and unwrinkled clothing and shoes. This is one time you should let your clothing and grooming serve you by providing comfort and by presenting a first impression of dependability to your instructor and classmates. Avoid bold, flashy or distracting clothing and be very cautious in using products with perfumes that may be a problem for your classmates.
Once in the room, set the stage for your best advantage. If you truly want to seek success, be bold enough to select a chair near the front of the classroom. Personally, I always selected the seat at the front far right on day one. You are not right under the instructor’s nose and won’t appear to be seeking pet status so obviously. This vantage point allows you proximity to the instructor and a point from which you can turn in your seat to view the entire room comfortably. Since many classrooms still feature chairs that open to the left side, the far right seat actually gives you the flexibility to turn around easily. This is a small thing, but you’ll find a few advantages that will combine with others for big advances.
Finally, once you are in place, just relax, or look like you are relaxed and comfortable in your own skin. Make eye contact with your classmates and instructor and share a greeting. Comfortable conversation initiated by you will open doors immediately and favorably, with a few exceptions of grumpy people. Be that positive person who takes the first step. Do not overdo this. Be simply polite and keep the conversation light. Do not use profanity – no exceptions, even in general expresson. Don’t comment on other classmates unfavorably or make remarks about the instructor. Keep the attitude positive and very light. You are setting yourself up to be approachable and safe, not too bold and not the class clown right off the start. Most of your classmates are apprehensive coming into the new setting. Even if you have to pretend to be at ease in the new situation, you will instantly break the ice and help everyone to relax. For this act, you will hold an initial role of leadership in the dynamic of the group.
Before the class even begins, you are already levels ahead of the rest of the class. Simple steps, completed consistently will lead you to success to the best of your intellectual abilities. When the class is beginning, leave all the world behind for that brief period. You may have to work at that, but plan ahead to focus on the instruction.
With a few days into January as this entry is posted, some classes have already had their first day. It is completely fine to re-read this at the beginning of Fall classes, Spring classes, Summer, etc. The principles will be the same. Any day is a good day to start successful habits. This is just a start.