What’s the least awkward way to introduce myself to the cute guy in my lecture?

First off, a campus crush is insanely fun. The thrill of running into them on your walk to class, seeing them in your lecture hall and telling your friends all about this mysterious crush is exciting. Embrace the thrill of a crush. It adds some excitement to your life and serves as a good distraction from the dreaded last few weeks of the semester.

It’s a good start to do some snooping around and try and figure out if they’re single. A quick search of their name will lead you to social media. Chances are, there will be signs of a significant other on their social media if they are dating someone.

Try catching them after class to talk about “class.” Ask them a question about the notes, the material or even ask them how they’re studying for the upcoming exam. This comes off as a friendly way to introduce yourself, while also staying on topic.

If they seem chatty, try and prolong the conversation, and maybe ask them their thoughts on the class or the professor. This can be a transition to asking them more about themself and their major.

From this part in the conversation, see how they’re responding to talking to you. If they don’t seem interested, end the conversation. If they do seem interested in talking to you, make a mental plan to talk to them again or even say “hi” to them in the next class.

Also, if you do try and ask someone out in your class, do it at the end of the semester. You do not want to get rejected and spend three months seeing them in class.

If all else fails, find a new campus crush.

I joined a study group, but all they do is talk and don’t study. Should I leave the group to study alone or stay?

Stay in the study group for the friends, but you should schedule time alone to actually study. I have a theory that study groups are just excuses for college students to hang out, while seeming like work is actually getting done. Spoiler alert: not a lot of studying is getting done.

I’ve tried study groups a few times at OU, and each time I find myself being more productive studying alone to prepare for the test. Study groups serve a purpose in making some friends in your major and scheduling a time to see some people in your class.

See this as a blessing in disguise. You get to hang out with some students in your class on a scheduled basis.

If you do find yourself needing a study group to learn, find a better group or even try some of the academic services on campus. You can also go to office hours to talk to the professor about the content. They’re the one teaching the class and will be able to help you prepare, probably better than everyone else.