Office Hours: What They Are and How International Students Can Use Them

ByGenevive Bjorn

Office hours are set times when professors and teaching assistants are available to meet students, usually in their office or online. They go by different names: student hours, drop-in hours, or consultation hours, depending on the university. You will find the times in the syllabus or on the course website.

Many international students never go, often because they assume office hours are only for students who are struggling, or that visiting would bother the professor. In most English-speaking universities, the opposite is true. Office hours exist for you, and using them is a sign of a serious student.

Good Reasons to Go

  • To ask about something from a lecture or reading that you did not understand.
  • To talk through an assignment before you start, or get feedback on your plan.
  • To understand feedback on a graded assignment and how to improve next time.
  • To discuss an idea that interested you, or ask about research, graduate study, or careers in the field.
  • To let the instructor know about something affecting your work, early rather than at the end of the term.
  • Simply to introduce yourself. Professors write recommendation letters for students they know.

How to Prepare

  • Check whether you need to book a time or can just drop in.
  • Write down your questions, and bring the assignment, notes, or reading you want to discuss.
  • Be specific: “I don’t understand the essay” is hard to answer; “I’m not sure how to structure the argument in section two” is easy to help with.
  • If the meeting is online, test your link and microphone beforehand.

What to Say When You Arrive

Knock or wait at the door, then introduce yourself:

“Hi Professor Lee, I’m Wei Zhang from your Tuesday BIO 210 section.
I had a question about the Lab 3 report. Do you have a few minutes?”

Then ask your prepared question. Take notes. Before you leave, check that you understood: “So for the report, I should include the summary graph but not the raw data table. Is that right?” Finish with “Thank you, this was really helpful.”

What If It Feels Awkward?

The first visit is usually the hardest. Going with a classmate can help. So can starting with a simple question, then building from there. If there is a line, keep your question brief and offer to come back or follow up by email.

After the Meeting

Use what you learned in your next assignment. If you promised to send something, send it. If the conversation was especially helpful, a short thank-you email is a nice touch, but not required.

For written questions that do not need a conversation, email may be faster. See How to Email a Professor.

This guide is part of Confident on Campus, the student section of International Student Success. For a complete guide to communication at English-speaking universities, see Effective Communication and Academic Success for International Students by Genevive Bjorn and Clara Fangfang Ma (Routledge, 2026).

Similar Posts