Preparing for classes

allnurses Guide · Sep 14, 2014

It's been a little while since I've been in a college classroom. What kinds of things do you bring to class? Laptop, notebook, text books? How do you dress for class- casual or business casual? Have you found that your professors allow recording of their lectures? Should I look into buying a recorder device thingy (whatever they're called!)? Do you put everything in a backpack or just carry what you need in your arms? If you use a laptop- what do you recommend using to carry it around?
Thanks!!

A lot of this is personal preference!

IMHO

Business casual dress to impress as a professional.

Laptop or notebook which ever you feel more comfortable with. Probably won't need texts in class. Have you smartphone or laptop online references.

Always ask before recording.

And carry with something that won't kill your back.

Sent from my iPhone.

Barnstormin' PMHNP · Sep 15, 2014

BostonFNP covered a lot of it.

I used a recorder in undergrad but most of my lectures for grad school are on camtasia and posted online. This means the instructor is responsible for recording and posting them. Some classes I need my laptop and others I don't, depends on the class. As BostonFNP stated, texts are not usually needed in the classroom. The obvious stuff like pens, planner etc.

I dress business casual, I believe every encounter is important and treat my time in school as a job interview, many contacts with those professors. I use a leather satchel, but a backpack works too, it is really what you prefer.

olvr00 · Sep 15, 2014

Backpack - laptop, textbook sometimes, printed lecture notes, voice recorder, pens, bottled water, snacks, fruits

Outfit - 1. shorts, flipflops, and t-shirt (fall); 2. jeans, flipflops, t-shirt; 3. jeans, running shoes, t-shirt; 4. leather shoes, slacks, collared shirt (mostly when I'm presenting a case study or report or in the clinic). (some of my classmates would wear shorts and flipflops too)

I didn't really mind what I was wearing but I made sure I'm comfortable and my clothes are clean, well-ironed, and presentable.

I guess I was too focused on learning and getting great grades that I really never thought about what I was wearing lol. :0

Barnstormin' PMHNP · Sep 15, 2014

olvr00, I have to laugh because you just described what 90% of my class wears, and they sure look comfy. I am an older student and being from the baby boomer generation some things I just can't do lol. I really don't know as it make a difference to the professors one way or the other, but business casual gives me confidence and the feeling of professionalism :cool:

olvr00 · Sep 15, 2014

I don't know if what I was wearing made a difference to the professors lol. In my opinion, excellence makes a difference to the professors and gets you noticed. Excellence gave me a feeling of confidence and professionalism. :)

(I did get noticed a lot when I wore business casual once in a blue moon, like once every semester during the osce (lol) ).

Barnstormin' PMHNP · Sep 19, 2014

Well then, I should be all set :up:

zmansc, ASN, RN · Sep 23, 2014

I try to wear more than my underwear, especially when we are having a video session.... Oh, your sitting in a hot stuffy classroom, listening to a professor drone on and on and on about some tangent a student got them distracted on.... Yea, I don't have to do that anymore :)

When I had to sit in a classroom, I tried to wear layers so that I would be comfortable irregardless of the temperature, as it was usually either too hot or too cold to be comfortable. Some professors were easier to take notes on paper, others on my puter. In either case I brought my laptop to look things up for reference. So, typically my bike bag would have my laptop, a printout of the slides for the presentation and/or a notepad, writing instruments, water bottle or coffee mug depending on time of class, etc.

suprmedic · Sep 25, 2014

Mallysmama-

I'm a converted microsoft guy. I went with a 13 inch Apple Macbook air for my studies. It is durable, super light and fast enough for even the largest of power points. The battery lasts about 12 hours as well. What I found the greets use for this computer is that it will dictate notes for you. If you hit the function button twice in any program and start talking it will type it for you. I would have my text book open and make notes without having to type. Then when it is time for review and your eyes are tired the Mac can read you back your notes... Awesome.

I dressed very casual at my school and used a backpack.

superfryk · Sep 28, 2014

Mallysmama- congrats!!!! I too start tomorrow. Having just finished an ABSN I will say that I gave some thought as to what I wore. Yes- be comfy but! I would say that professors do notice somewhat. As they say- dress for the job you want. If you're going to wear jeans, wear with a nice top, etc.... look 'put together'. yes- they will notice 'excellence' as someone above pointed out- but they will also notice if you appear to be taking care of yourself AND some might look at dress as a sign of respect. I had class mates show up looking like they just rolled out of bed and really never felt it was a great idea personally.

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Sep 28, 2014

It's funny because at my school, it seems as if only the business students care about their appearance. Of course I can't speak for everyone, but majority rules. Most girls I see wear leggings, shorts, jeans and flip flops or tennis shoes with a hoodie. I wear hoodies and tennis shoes a lot but sometimes I'll wear a nice shirt and shoes. It depends on my mood and how comfortable I want to be.