Lecture halls at universities can vary in size depending on the institution and the class you’re taking. But where is the best place to sit in a university lecture hall? Does one even exist, or are you just supposed to sit anywhere?
Let’s look at the pros and cons for different areas in the hall to help you find that sweet spot.
The Front Row
If you find yourself struggling to concentrate in a lecture, why not sit at the front? The professor is right in front of you, so you don’t have to strain to hear him or her speaking. If the lecturer uses diagrams or a slideshow, you can see what’s happening instead of having a vague idea. Also, there’s less in your field of vision to distract you.
On the other hand, lecturers will most likely choose a student with their hand up to answer a question or offer an opinion. However, you are a prime candidate on the off-chance that they just pick someone from the front. It’s easier to ask you the question than straining to hear someone closer to the middle or back of the room. So if you are rather shy or just don’t like being called on in class, this might not be the best place to sit in a university lecture hall.
The Back Row
If you have a job or another class to attend right after the lecture, the back might be the best place to sit in a university hall. You don’t have to be in the middle of a mass of people that push and shove each other to leave the room, and you can just slip out before it gets too crazy.
The flip side of the coin is that if you’re sitting at the back where no one is really focusing on what you’re doing, chances are you are going to daydream. You may not be able to hear the professor properly from the back and may not be able to see what he or she is doing. On an off day, there’s a good chance that you’ll end up studying for another class or just playing on your phone.
The Middle Row
Maybe the middle is the best place to sit in a university lecture hall. You’re close enough that you can hear the professor and see any slideshows that are shown but far away enough that you aren’t directly in the spotlight and probably won’t be called on. People prefer the back or front row, so the middle row usually has more empty seats.
However, on your way out, you’ll be stuck in the melee of a busy class, so if you need to be somewhere urgently, you may be late because the tangle of people on their way out isn’t going anywhere fast.
It may be difficult to find the best place to sit in a university lecture hall at first. Why not try sitting in different places throughout the hall to find what works best for you. Remember, the best place for one person to sit isn’t necessarily the best place for you to sit.
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