3 Communicating in College
2025
Cascadia College COLL101 Team
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Welcome
Starting college comes with a lot of change: new classes, new people, and new expectations. One of the most important skills you can build during this time is how to communicate effectively.
Many students are nervous to speak up, especially when they don’t understand something. It’s easy to feel like you should already know the answer, or that asking for help means you’re falling behind. But the truth is, communication is a key part of being a successful student.
Whether it’s talking to a professor, checking in with your advisor, or having a tough conversation with a group mate, learning how to ask questions and express yourself clearly can make your college experience smoother and more rewarding.
Key Takeaways:
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- Clear communication helps prevent small problems from becoming big ones.
- Students often hesitate to ask for help because they feel like “they should already know.”
- Learning to speak up early is a valuable habit.
Here are a few common types of communication you’ll use in college:
- Academic Communication
This includes emails to instructors, classroom discussions, and questions during office hours. You might feel nervous to speak up in academic communications, remember your professors want you to succeed. - Collaborative Communication
Collaborative communication shows up in group projects, study groups, and work. Clear communication can help avoid confusion, uneven workloads, and unnecessary stress.
Tip: Set shared expectations early and check-in often. Check out our How to Build a Strong Team chapter for more ideas about working in groups. - Personal Communication
This includes talking with classmates, roommates, or friends. You don’t have to be perfect, just honest and respectful. Boundaries, honesty, and active listening go a long way in building good relationships. - Support-Seeking Communication
This is when you ask for help, whether it’s from an academic advisor, a counselor, a tutor, or a staff member. These conversations might feel intimidating, but they’re a vital part of staying on track and taking care of yourself.
How Communication Style Changes Across College Settings
| Context | Tone/Style | Example |
| Email to a Professor | Polite, clear, and professional | “Hello Professor Lee, I’m in your English 101 class and I’m writing to ask for clarification about tomorrow’s assignment. Should we include our outline along with our first draft?” |
| Group Project Chat | Friendly, focused, and direct | “Hey everyone, just checking in? Who’s planning to finish the slides for the presentation?” |
| Roommate Conversation | Respectful, honest, and calm | “Hey, can we talk about sharing the space during finals week? I’ve been having a hard time sleeping lately.” |
| Advising Appointment | Prepared, open, and curious | “I’m not sure if I picked the right classes. Can we look at my schedule together?” |
| Asking for Help | Honest and clear (It’s ok to be nervous!) | “I’m having trouble keeping up in this class, is there a tutor or resource you recommend?” |
Reflection Activity:
Write down one person on campus you might need to communicate with this quarter (a professor, advisor, tutor, etc.). What kind of message or communication might you have with them? What would help you feel more confident about it?
Asking for Help is a Strength
Many students come to college believing they need to figure everything out on their own. You might feel like asking for help means your failing, falling behind, or just not cut out for college.
That couldn’t be further from the truth.
In reality, the students who succeed aren’t the ones who never struggle rather they’re the ones who know when to speak up. They ask questions, use resources, and stay connected. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign that you’re engaged, self-aware, and willing to grow.
| What You Might Think | What’s Actually True |
| “They’ll think I’m not smart enough.” | Most people admire those who ask honest questions. |
| “I should already know this.” | You’re here to learn. No one expects you to know it all. |
| “They’re too busy to help me.” | Helping students is part of their job and they want to help you! |
| “I’ll wait until I’m really struggling.” | Getting help early can prevent bigger issues later. |
What Asking for Help Can Look Like:
- Visiting office hours, even if you’re not sure what to say
- Sending an email to your instructor or advisor with a clear question
- Making an appointment with a campus counselor
- Dropping in to see a tutor at the Bock Learning Center
- Telling a friend, “I’m having a hard time right now.”
Reminder: You don’t have to be in crisis to ask for support. Sometimes a quick conversation, a few helpful tips, or a second set of eyes on a paper can make a big difference.
Communicating with Faculty and Staff
You don’t need to sound like a professional academic to communicate well in college. You just need to be clear, respectful, and human.
Many students worry about saying the wrong thing in an email or speaking up in class. But here’s the good news: no one expects perfection. Most professors and staff appreciate when students show effort, honesty, and kindness, even if the message isn’t perfectly worded.
Whether you’re emailing a professor, reaching out to an advisor, or chatting with a classmate, the same basics apply:
- Be polite
- Be specific
- Be yourself
If you’re not sure how to get started with a message, especially to an instructor, you’re not alone! The infographic below guides you through how to effectively email a professor.
Communicating in College – Screen Reader Friendly document
Wrapping Up:
College is a learning environment, and that includes learning how to communicate. You’re not expected to have all the answers, or the perfect words. What matters most is showing up, asking questions, and staying connected.
The more you practice communicating in different situations, the more confident you’ll become. When in doubt, remember: it’s always better to reach out than stay silent.
You’re not alone here. So speak up, ask questions, send the email. It might make everything a little easier.
