At the University: Useful English Questions

University is a wonderful time when you can learn a great deal. If you want to know the phrases and expressions used on campus, this lesson is for you: a set of vocabulary and exercises for everyday communication at university.

In this first lesson of a new series, we'll talk to a professor. Lecturers are some of the most important people you deal with at university, so it pays to know phrases you can use with them, especially when you need to sort something out. We'll also chat with other students about what they study, and learn how to ask for directions, because in your first days on a new campus you are bound to feel a little lost.

A conversation with a professor

Professor: Good afternoon. How can I help you?

You: Professor, I was wondering if you had a minute to talk about my essay.

Professor: Yes, of course. Tell me, what's the problem with your essay?

You: I forgot to hand it in, and I know it's past the deadline. Is there any chance I could give it to you now?

Professor: Normally I would say no, but looking at your grades, I think we have more to discuss.

You: I know my grades aren't the best, but I'm trying to improve.

Professor: What are you going to do about the final exam? You know that if you fail it, you won't pass my course.

You: I know, and I'm going to study hard for it. But I'd like to do something more.

Professor: What do you have in mind?

You: Would it be possible to retake the last quiz? I wasn't prepared, and it took me by surprise.

Professor: Well, let's see how your next test goes, and then we'll think about it.

You: Thank you, Professor. I won't fail, I promise!

Professor: Excuse me! Didn't you say you had a paper for me?

You: Yes! Here you are. Have a nice day, Professor!

Professor: Thank you, goodbye.

Now practise: fill in the gaps

Complete the conversation, then check your answers with the recording and the PDF below.

Professor: Good afternoon, how can I help you?

You: Professor, I ……………………………… (ask politely if they have a moment) to talk about my grades.

Professor: Yes, ……………………………… (ask what the problem is with the grades)

You: We had an exam recently and I failed. I'm afraid I'm not going to ……………………… (get through the course).

Professor: I see. Have you thought about ……………………………… (taking the exam again)?

You: ……………………… (ask what they mean)

Professor: I'm letting my students repeat the final test next week. You can sign up for an extra date.

You: Can I? That would be great! ……………………………… (promise to study hard for it)

Professor: I hope so. Is that all?

You: ……………………… (yes, and promise not to fail) ……………………… (wish them a nice day)

Professor: Thank you, ……………………… (say goodbye).

Talking to other students

Now it's time to talk to other students. Listen to the recording below and answer the questions.

• •What does Colin study?
• •Is medicine a hard subject to study?
• •What does Colin think about the university?

Transcript

Colin: Hi, my name is Colin. Nice to meet you.

Greg: Hi, Colin. I'm Greg. Nice to meet you too!

Colin: So, what do you study?

Greg: I'm doing a business and management degree. What about you?

Colin: That sounds interesting! I study medicine.

Greg: Medicine? It must be hard.

Colin: Yes, sometimes, but I like it.

Greg: Cool! How do you like our university so far?

Colin: I think it's fascinating. We have great professors and the curriculum is interesting.

Greg: Yes, I think so too. See you around campus!

Colin: It was nice meeting you. See you!

Asking for directions

You've made it to the university of your dreams, so now you need to find your way around. Some universities have huge campuses, not just in one area but spread across the city. Look at the campus map below.

Now read the conversation about directions.

Student 1: Hi, I'm new here. Can you tell me where the library is?

Student 2: The library is next to the Main Hall. ("Main Hall" takes capital letters because it is a name.)

Student 1: The Main Hall? Where's that?

Student 2: Wait, I think I have a campus map with me. Yes, look here.

Student 1: Oh, I see now.

Student 2: We're at Johnson Hall. Behind us there's the university park, and if you go past the park, you'll be opposite the Main Hall.

Student 1: What's this building right next to the gym?

Student 2: That's Beta Hall. It's where students who live on campus have their dorm rooms.

Student 1: Cool. I can see there's a football pitch too, right?

Student 2: Yes, the football pitch is between the Main Hall and the gym.

Student 1: Thank you. Would you like to grab a snack in the dining hall?

Student 2: Sure, let's turn left and walk along the pavement.

Student 1: Great. But wait, is there a bookshop nearby? I need to buy a book for my class.

Student 2: Yes, it's close. Actually, it's a straight route from the dining hall to the bookshop and then on to the library!

Student 1: Perfect!

That's all for today. If you'd like more university vocabulary and phrases, look out for the next lessons in the series.