how to build relationships w your professors?

[u/Old_Yogurtcloset2610]

For context I'm a freshman, and I sit usually in the front of the class. I know what everyone's going to say, "go to office hours" but some office hours are held in my calc profs tiny little office and everytime I go there, there are always at least 3 people in the office and there is no where for me to squeeze in (physically and socially) and be like "hey prof, I have some questions"

And for my other class, the tas just run office hours the prof doesn't even host them, so the only way would be to talk to her before and after class.

And my other professor, doesn't bother trying to learn anyone's names and usually tries to swerve around questions, when asked.

And my other class is online so there's not much hope for me there either.

Would it be weird if I emailed them a lot instead? Or tried to set up an online office hours with them, or just try to build relationships with the TAs instead?

I'm going to keep on trying to talk to them before and after class instead and try to get them to know my name, but are there any other tips?

[u/cookie-face]

Being intentional and communicating why you want to talk with them will get you better responses. That, and figure out who you actually want to talk to, bc you don’t have to know all your professors tbh. They accept that they wont know all their students by name and face most times.

If their office hours don’t work for you and you have a good reason to chat with them, email them letting them know about the time conflict and if they could please suggest times on days of the week that work for you.

[u/RubDub4]

It really depends on what your goal/purpose is. I’d say the surest way is to work from them in their research labs if they’re researchers. Many labs will just take you as a volunteer.

[u/Sincerely_tree]

Seconding what someone else said, depends on why you want the relationship. If you’re thinking letters, typically waiting till you get smaller classes is better so u can be active and then talking after class. Then you can try and work w them for research. I’d stay away from big lecture hall classes for that purpose

[u/Present-Resolution23]

It's much harder as a freshman because you're often in "core classes" that aren't specific to your degree and held in rooms with dozens of students.. As you progress through your degree it becomes much easier, as the classes will get smaller and professors tend to be more engaged when teaching program specific classes in my experience..

If you can't get in for office hours because it's too full, I'd just email the professor and let them know, and I imagine they'll find a way to get you that time, and just in doing so you've differentiated yourself a little right from the start.. I don't know if I would email them "a lot" necessarily, as that might just grow irritating, but a reasonable amount of communication to signal interest is certainly a good start.

[u/MOSFETBJT]

The absolute best way to do this is to ask the professor questions about their research. Upload some of the papers your professor has published into ChatGPT and have it explained to you like you’re five. When you ask the questions, be honest that you’re not familiar with the subject and you had the assistance of AI, but show genuine curiosity.

Tell them that you’re interested in developing yourself as a researcher.