College life isn’t what it used to be and, sadly, some old etiquette rules are fading much too fast, with new norms taking their place. That doesn’t always have to be a bad thing but it’s quite surprising to see how things are changing. Today, most students prefer a more casual & flexible approach to university life—which often means ignoring rules of old. Here are ten college campus etiquette rules that are quickly disappearing.
Featured Image Credit: pressmaster /Depositphotos.com.
Refraining from Wearing Headphones in Public Spaces
It was a rule that you shouldn’t wear headphones in common areas because it makes you seem more approachable and socially engaged—but now it’s normal to see everyone plugged into their own music. Such a change means there are fewer casual interactions among students and the etiquette of keeping headphones off has disappeared. We’ve lost many opportunities for spontaneous conversations.
Addressing Professors Formally
There was a time when students always used titles like “Professor Johnson” or “Dr. Smith” in class—but now it’s more common to call professors by their first names. The old formalities are fading because campuses have taken a more casual vibe that most professors are cool with. In fact, they might even encourage students to drop the formal titles to make the classroom feel more relaxed.
Dressing Up for Class
Likewise, students made an effort to dress nicely for class back in the day, although comfy clothes are much more popular these days. It’s not unusual to see people in leggings, hoodies, or even pajamas during lectures because they care much more about being comfortable than dressing up. Students have busy schedules & long days so they prefer outfits that keep them cozy.
Punctuality to Lectures
Showing up right on time for class used to be a must and your classmates would judge you for being even a few minutes late. But now, lateness is no big deal, with most professors being more lenient and classmates hardly taking notice of when their peers arrive! Students don’t stress as much about being perfectly punctual because they have packed schedules & tight breaks between classes, which means the strictness around being prompt is fading.
Avoiding Phones During Class
The idea of having your phone out in class used to be a major social mistake because it suggested that you weren’t interested in what was actually happening. However, smartphones have become part of learning so students will use them to look up information or access class materials during classes. They might even use them to take notes, so don’t be surprised to see phones on desks everywhere!
Asking Permission Before Recording Lectures
Speaking of phones, in the past, you had to ask professors before recording lectures or taking photos of the board—but having smartphones always at hand has changed that. Students often hit record without a second thought and they don’t even consider the courtesy of requesting permission. Technology has become a huge part of the classroom experience, for better or worse.
Waiting for the Professor to End Class
Students used to wait until the professor officially ended the class before packing up—the bell was for the teacher, not the student, after all! Yet you’ll find that most backpacks are zipped & notebooks closed as the clock approaches the final few minutes. Some students even start leaving before the lecture is over, even though it goes against the courtesy of waiting until the professor concludes.
Standing When a Professor Enters the Room
When a professor walked into the classroom, students had to stand up as a sign of respect—but this practice is now almost nonexistent as most students remain seated. They might barely even notice the professor’s arrival, so they won’t bother standing up! The formality of doing so has largely disappeared as classroom environments become more casual and less hierarchical.
Refraining from Eating During Lectures
It was once considered impolite and distracting to eat during class, as the noise was enough to put anyone off from actual learning. That’s not the case anymore because many students will munch on snacks or even bring entire meals into lectures because they don’t have time to stop. In some cases, they argue that they’re paying for the classes and so they should get to eat whenever they want to!
Standing for the Alma Mater at Events
Having important campus events is still important but the traditions that go with them have changed—it used to be customary for everyone to stand & sing the alma mater at the end. The tradition showed unity and school pride, which many students miss out on today because they leave early or remain seated. It’s a real shame because students are a lot less engaged with their sense of etiquette on campus and also avoid many longstanding traditions.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us on MSN.
