6 Ways To Survive A Boring Lecture

Some lectures could be more effective at putting you to sleep than Ambien. The lecturer’s mouth is moving but you can’t seem to make out anything he’s saying. Eventually you give up trying to listen and glance down at your notes for guidance. Instead of writing, however, there are doodles of badly drawn cats. Miserable and defeated, you lay your head on the desk, mentally kicking yourself for playing Temple Run the past hour.If this sounds familiar, don’t worry – I promise you’re not alone. From today, it’s time to put your Angry Birds back in their cages, whip out those notebooks and start scribbling! Here are some tips for making that dull lecture a teeny tiny bit more bearable…
1. PREPARATION
Preparation (not to be confused with procrastination) is a word that strikes fear into the hearts of uni students everywhere. As hellish as it sounds, it’s a simple concept that can improve a lecture ten-fold! Take the time before a lecture to read ahead and behold, the lecturer makes way more sense! The better you understand, the more likely you are to listen.
2. PARTICIPATE
As cheesy as it sounds, participate in class discussions. People feel their opinions do not matter and that is why they don’t participate in class. In reality however, people do actually care about your personal opinion, especially your lecturer! I’ve realised that participating in class can make the discussion a little more interesting.
3. FRIENDS
You may as well do this thing together! Sit with someone you know, and motivate each other to listen. A little bit of company (even if it’s just someone to exchange confused looks with) is always good to have in class.
4. BRAIN FOOD
If you’re hungry or thirsty, it’s almost impossible to concentrate. Stash a bottle of water and some (healthy) study snacks in your bag and reach for them when you feel your concentration fading.
5. NOTES
Make your notes pretty and have fun doing it by using some colour. Using different colour pens for different points will help to make the material more memorable and help to keep your mind on study when the discussion strays into obiter territory. Plus when exam preparation time roll around you will thank yourself for that extra effort you put into your lecture notes during class.
6. PHONES
Do not take out your phone to answer or read emails.  Again, this will make the boredom worse. You are essentially running away from the problem by turning to the phone rather than confronting the issue head on.  This is an E student response.  Moreover, it is a bad habit.  After uni, you might find yourself in other boring situations like work meetings.  It is not a good (or beneficial) idea to tune out and gravitate to your phone while others are talking.  Indeed, there will be times when your good friends bore you!  Would you take out your phone while they talk?  Of course not.  For class time, strengthen your concentration abilities and keep the phone in your bag.
We’ve all been through a boring lecture. You will survive! Remember, it is your grade on the line, so don’t shy away from the class even if you need to muster all of your brain power to stay alert.  Good luck!