College can feel overwhelming. Going to office hours is one of the simplest ways to feel connected, supported, and confident—academically and emotionally. After hearing from high school seniors and college students who regret never building relationships with professors, we brought in someone who truly understands the other side of the desk: Dr. Danielle DeNigris, Associate Professor of Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Dr. DeNigris breaks down what office hours actually are, why professors genuinely want you to come, and how these quick conversations can help you understand class material, fix study strategies, navigate confusing assignments, or—plot twist—build mentorships that matter long after the class ends.

Whether you’re a first-gen student, someone who’s always worried about “bothering” your instructor, or someone who never knows what to say in an email, this episode has concrete tips, scripts, and college hacks that make showing up feel 100× less intimidating.

Dr. DeNigris- 

https://www.fdu.edu/profiles/danielle911_denigris/

UNC Office Hours Guide-

https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/using-office-hours-effectively/

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Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner