Professor Types & How to Handle Them
Understanding the Species
Professors are not a monolith. Each type requires a different approach.
The Classification
Type 1: The Strict One
Characteristics:
- Attendance is sacred
- Late = locked out
- Phones are confiscated
- Assignments have zero tolerance
How to Handle:
- Be on time, always
- Sit in the front (shows respect)
- Actually prepare for their class
- Never make excuses—just apologize and improve
The Silver Lining: You'll actually learn the subject well.
Type 2: The Chill One
Characteristics:
- Attendance is flexible
- Late is "okay, come in"
- Actually makes jokes
- Treats students like adults
How to Handle:
- Don't abuse the flexibility
- Participate in discussions
- Submit work on time (they notice)
- Build a genuine rapport
The Warning: Easy ≠ Good grades. You still need to work.
Type 3: The Ancient One
Characteristics:
- Same notes for 20 years
- Stories from "their time"
- Slow speaking pace
- Surprisingly tough exams
How to Handle:
- Get previous year questions (they repeat)
- Note the keywords they emphasize
- Don't rush them with questions
- Respect their experience
Type 4: The Researcher
Characteristics:
- Focused on their research, not teaching
- May go off-topic into their work
- Brilliant but sometimes incomprehensible
- Viva discussions can be gold
How to Handle:
- Show interest in their research
- Ask intelligent questions
- Learn from their methodology
- They can be great mentors for projects
Type 5: The New One
Characteristics:
- Still figuring things out
- Might be nervous
- Often stricter to prove themselves
- Actually prepares well
How to Handle:
- Be kind (they're learning too)
- Don't exploit their newness
- Give genuine feedback if asked
- They'll remember helpful students later
Universal Professor Rules
What ALWAYS Works:
- Punctuality: Arrive on time, submit on time
- Preparation: Skim the topic before class
- Participation: Ask one good question per week
- Politeness: Basic manners go very far
- Professionalism: Email them properly (subject line, greetings, signature)
What NEVER Works:
- Arguing in front of the class
- Making excuses repeatedly
- Copying obviously
- Lying about attendance
- Being on your phone constantly
The Attendance Game
Attendance rules vary by professor. Know yours.
- Some take attendance at start (arrive early)
- Some take at end (don't leave early)
- Some take randomly (be present throughout)
- Some never take it (but will notice absence in viva)
How to Email a Professor
Email Template:
Subject: [Course Name] - Query regarding [Topic]
Dear Professor [Last Name],
I am [Your Name] from [Year, Section].
I have a question regarding [specific topic] from today's lecture. [Ask your question clearly and concisely]
Thank you for your time.
Best regards, [Your Name] [Roll Number]
Every professor was once a student. They get it more than you think.