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There are probably a number of reasons why some of you hate going to class – early starts, yawn-worthy material and the droning voice of your lecturer can be enough to scare off the best of us. What the majority don’t realise is that there may be just one simple barrier between you and enjoyment of the classes you pay thousands of dollars a year not to attend: your relationship with your professors. Why is an hour at coffee with your friends so much more attractive than 50 minutes sitting in a classroom? Meaningful human interaction. Get on good terms with your professor and I promise you’ll get way more out of your classes than ever before.

Nobody likes a smartarse. Just because you’re pulling straight As and always show up to class a day early doesn’t mean you’re a shoo-in for favourite. Teachers notice students who make an effort, participate and show genuine interest in the class. Ask and answer questions (in moderation, so you don’t look like an idiot or a show-off), voice your opinion and try not to yawn too much. It’s quite noticeable from up there.

Even though your professors decide your grades and assign your coursework, they still sleep in a bed, watch TV, do laundry and occasionally spill things on themselves. Many even have entire families. That’s right – professors are people, too. Really, really smart ones. They have fears, aspirations and interests as well as a sense of humour. Crack a joke or figure out what makes them tick by asking them a few questions about themselves – again, not too many or they might think you’re a spy. Try to sit close to the front of the classroom so that you can see your teacher breathing/blinking/swallowing. This should help remind you that they are human. Treat them accordingly and they will definitely appreciate it.

Your professor sees hundreds of students every day. Before they can like you, they must first notice you. Excellent or terrible grades will probably get some attention, but by the time you start getting assignments back it will be too late. Start now. Greet them by name when you arrive to their classroom, and they’ll have to learn your name pretty quickly to avoid seeming rude. If you’re late to class, don’t apologise or make excuses. You want your teacher to view you as a responsible adult who knows what they’re doing. Act like you’ve got everything under control.

Note: Be careful. If everyone starts doing this all at once, the professors will know something’s up.