Uni 101: How to Stand Out in Class as an Exceptional Student

Nigerian universities admit thousands of students every year. In class, there might be more than a hundred students. That’s a lot of people. So, how do you stand out as an exceptional student? 

PS: This particular post is not meant for introverts because I already know that show-offs are not really your cup of tea. How introverts stand out in classes is by hiding at the back, trying their best to be and remain invisible. That, too, is very very valid. I understand. This post is for extroverts who’d love to be known. 

First of all, just like every other thing, it starts with a personal decision. There are different kinds of “standing out”. There are people who are known for their rowdiness, rambunctiousness, stubborn-ness and troublesome manner and then there are those who are known for their excellence. So, you need to decide for yourself the kind of “standing out” you want to be known for. 

How to Stand Out in Class

By now, I’m assuming you’re still reading because you want to be known for excellence. PS: If your decisions are any of the former, please stop reading, you don’t need instructions on how to become the bad sheep of any class. I have faith that you can figure it out by yourself. This post is for those who strive towards greatness. Now, that I’ve cleared everything. Let’s move straight to how to achieve greatness and stand out in any class you find yourself.

1. Go to Lectures:

You cannot stand out for greatness if you’re absent from school. Then, you’ll only be known as the student that rarely comes to class. You need to come to school judiciously. Not just coming to class, you need to be aware of everything happening in your class. You need to be an active participant in your class. Contribute your opinions during any meetings. Answer lecturers’ questions in class. Pay every due. Look out for your classmates. By participation, I don’t mean to over-do it. Don’t become the annoying I-too-know in class. Do everything with moderation. 

2. Make an Impression:

This isn’t just about the lecturers. Impress your fellow students as well. Your lecturers are not the only ones that’ll facilitate your success in university; you need your fellow students as well. So please include them in your plan. Trust me, you don’t want to be that person everyone in class hates. It’ll affect you adversely.

3. Be Known for something:

In every class, there are usually those known for certain things. Be it for speaking up bravely, for leading the activism against some wrongs in school, fashionable style, etc. At least, they’re known for something. Pick something today. Let it stick. It’ll become something ONLY you will be known for so that when the situation arises, everyone will unanimously elect you to handle such situations. 

4. Choose a sitting position:

Then, I was a back-seat girl. Always, you’ll find me at the back. It became…like a badge. Lecturers have roving eyes; they notice things. Having a particular sitting position will help enhance their visualization of you. They’ll get used to you sitting there. Your fellow students will also get used to you there. It makes you stand out, in its own way. 

5. Raise your hand in class:

Whether it’s to ask a smart question, answer questions smartly or volunteer, the most important thing is that you are showing off yourself when you raise your hand – voice even – in class. Volunteer as much as you can. Take up leadership positions as much as you can. Not just about taking up positions, make sure you deliver. Make sure you don’t disappoint those who chose you, If you taint your image, it’ll follow you for life. Even in the 10-year reunion, your classmates will always remember what you did. Keep your slate clean. 

Stand out.