This week, Lifehack posted a list of tips on being a successful college student. Some of them are common sense, but one suggestion I think all students should heed is getting to know their professors.

I've noticed that some of the most successful college students are the ones who form appropriate friendships with their teachers. Why? It's not because they're playing "teacher's pet." It's because teachers are human too...show them you're actually interested in what they have to say and they'll often respond by helping you in any way they can. That means they'll be more likely to spend time responding to your questions, helping you with papers, and letting you know of additional educational opportunities.

Here's what Lifehack suggests:

"Check out your professors' bios on their departments' websites. Google their names. (Use "firstname lastname" in quotes, then try "lastname, firstname", also in quotes. Try with and without their middle initial, if you know it.) Look them up in whatever research databases your school's library makes available to you. Look them up on Amazon. Pop in for a chat during their office hours. You don't have to get creepy - don't go through their garbage or anything like that. Just find out something about their work, what their research interests are, what sort of stuff they've written, what their teaching philosophy is (many profs post that kind of stuff). Find out where your interests intersect with theirs, and what they have to offer you that might be outside the scope of whatever class you're taking."

Getting to know your instructors can be difficult as a distance learner - but it's not impossible. Shoot of an email letting your professor know you read his last book or asking a genuine question. It'll be worth it!