Office hours: what they are and how to use them

Get unstuck

Ask about something from class that didn't make sense.

Get feedback

Go over an assignment, a paper or an exam, and ask how to do better next time.

Plan ahead

Ask about courses you might like to take, or about research opportunities.

Get known

Scholarship applications often ask for a reference letter. It's easier to ask someone who knows you.

Two university pages that explain office hours:Source:UNC Learning Center, using office hours (opens in a new tab);U of T Student Life, talk to your professors (opens in a new tab)

• Your notes or the work you're asking about.
• Your questions, written down.
• Your name and course section, so they can find your work.

1. "Hi, I'm in your [course] class. Can you help me understand [topic]?"
2. "I got my assignment back. Can you show me what I should do differently next time?"
3. "I don't have a specific question. I just wanted to introduce myself."

Some instructors hold office hours online, for example on Zoom. If the syllabus says "by appointment", email to set a time. How it works varies by school and by course.

Look for free help on campus, such as the writing centre, the learning or tutoring centre, the accessibility office and counselling (names differ by school). Search your school's website.

US students: Some colleges run a TRIO Student Support Services program for first-generation students. It runs only at colleges that have an SSS grant, so ask your school whether it has one.Source:U.S. Department of Education, Student Support Services (opens in a new tab)