Campus Chronicles
What’s the most dangerous phrase a student can say before a open book test?
It’s open note — I’ll be fine (Students say this thinking it’ll be easy, but open-note exams are often harder because they test understanding, not just notes.)
What’s a college student’s best friend during finals week?
Caffeine (Caffeine fuels every late-night study session — sometimes too well.)
What’s a tutor’s favorite phrase to hear?
Ohhh, now I get it! (That “aha” moment is every tutor’s reward — it means the concept finally clicked.
What’s the phrase every student loves to hear from the professor?
“Class is canceled.” (Instant joy — no student has ever been sad about this sentence.)
What’s the main reason students show up to Club Rush?
Free food and T-shirts (Most students come for the freebies)
What’s the phrase students use right before procrastinating?
“I’ll start after this episode.” (Classic procrastination — one episode becomes five.)
What’s one thing tutors do when a student says, “This is too hard”?
Re-directing, variation, and wait time. (Simplifying and personalizing helps students process information without feeling overwhelmed.)
What’s one unspoken classroom rule during presentations?
"Don’t ask questions—just clap, smile, and hope they’ll do the same for you to keep each other's dignity intact.”
What’s the “campus workout” every student experiences?
Running across campus because they’re late/forgot something. (It’s the unplanned cardio of college life.)
What’s one symptom of “syllabus shock”?
Realizing you have five essays due in the same week. (That first-week panic when students see just how much work is coming.)
What’s one sign that a student is pretending to understand?
The “yeah, yeah, yeah” nod while looking confused. (A classic — tutors recognize this instantly. It’s time to re-explain or check for understanding.)
What’s one unspoken rule about choosing a seat in class?
Once you sit there once, it’s your spot forever. (It’s unofficial assigned seating — mess with it at your own risk.
What’s the most expensive nap you’ll ever take?
Falling asleep in class after paying tuition.
What’s the universal student diet during finals?
Instant noodles and energy drinks (Cheap, fast, and questionably nutritious — the finals week staple.)
What’s the golden rule of tutoring?
Never just give the answer — guide the student to find it. (Tutoring is about empowering students to think critically, not spoon-feeding answers.)
What happens the one day you don’t take notes?
It ends up being on the test. (Without fail — it’s the universe’s law of academic irony.)
“Every campus veteran has a favorite one of these spots.”
Hint: "You’ll find it in a building, but it’s not a classroom.”
Finding the quietest bathroom on campus (A true skill — peace and quiet are rare commodities in college).
What’s the #1 skill students master by Week 3 of the semester?
Hint: You’ll see this skill in action during every lecture when the professor asks, “Any questions?”
Pretending they know what’s going on. (It’s survival — confidence first, understanding later)
What’s one secret strategy for making a boring topic fun?
Turn it into a game or use real-world examples (When students connect learning to something fun or familiar, retention skyrockets)
What’s one thing every class does right before a quiz starts?
Pretends to study while panicking internally. (Everyone flips through notes like they’re suddenly going to memorize everything in 60 seconds)