Question about college... urgent because I have classes tomorrow!?

Question

I am going to Virginia Tech and I am worried about getting from class to class because the campus is sooooo big. My problem comes in when I have just 15 minutes to cross the campus to get to my next class. Not all classes and on time im assuming so my main problem is the level of severity that comes with possibly coming to a class late. Please help me so I can sleep tonight. :)

Answer 1

You are worrying way too much about this!  I know 15 minutes doesn't seem like enough time and I always worried about this too- especially when I was at UNLV for the first 2 years of my undergrad- the campus is 333 or so acres and  I would have to walk all over.  I always worried, but then I was reminded that the average person can walk 1 mile in 20 minutes and I never had to walk a full mile, so I always made to class with at least 5-7 minutes to spare and if for some reason I was late, I just blamed it on the professor for keeping me late and it always worked.  Your professors will let you know the first day if they dislike you being late- then you decide if you need to rework your schedule and that too is not a big deal!

Answer 2

15 minutes is longer than most people think. Walking at a leisurely pace you will do one mile in 15 minutes---4mph walking speed---hardly rigorous. Also, you will get into a routine and find the best way after a few times.

Usually, college profs are not too concerned about late comers unless they are disruptive or coming in 30 minutes late...a few minutes is reasonable...say within 5 minutes of start time. Heck, most of my undergrad profs never started class until 5 minutes after it was supposed to begin anyway. And, if it is a big lecture hall type class like they have at big public schools like VT don't sweat it at all.

Answer 3

Not only is 15 minutes a good time to get somewhere, but a lot of times professors won't end class exactly at that time. They usually end it a little earlier. I would say about 90% of the professors I had were like that. I have a h**l of a hike this semester (one end to the other.) I should use it to my advantage and jog it.  

Answer 4

Don't worry so much about getting to your classes on time the first week.  Get your schedule down pat and start a routine.  Professors really aren't all that concerned with being late, since they know that finding things on campus and getting across campus can be difficult at times.  They should know, they were once there themselves!  If this persists, talk to your professors to let them know the situation.  They'll thank you for it, and it'll save you some worry.  Good luck!

Answer 5

I went to a completely HUGE campus too (Rutgers University) and dont worry 15 minutes to walk across is a LOT of time. Most people can almost walk a MILE in that time. Even if you are a few minutes late, most professors dont care that much as long as you show up the majority of the time. In huge lecture halls like 300-500 students, most of the time they wont know or remember your name and that you walked in late. If its  a small class, after the first day talk to the professor and explain your situation. They will understand.

Also, your college would not schedule your classes that way if people in the past had trouble making that walk and making it to class on time.

Answer 6

Todd:

I have taught college for years. I do not tolerate late students, but I make allowances in the first week of classes. You should go scope out where all of your classes are before you go to bed tonight and then you can sleep.

Good Luck.

Answer 7

I agree with what many of the other contributors have stated; 15 minutes is more time than you think. Although, as an instructor, I need to echo my colleague in saying that I also do not tolerate individuals coming late to class. If a student arrives I late, I mark him or her as absent. Although, i will admit, I never start class at the exact time the class is slated to begin. But, definitely do not worry about it on your first day, even hard-asses like me know that students are trying to figure out how to get around on their first day. If you do discover that it is impossible to make it between your two classes in those 15 minutes, stalk to either of your professors to see if one can let you out a little early or the other will accept you being a few minutes late. If you are always good about handing in your assignments and attending class, your professors will be a little more understanding. We all give more leeway to our students who work really hard and demonstrate that they care about the class and take pride in their work.

Good Luck!!!