This fall, Penn State is providing students with “remote learning rooms” to give them space to remotely tune into their online classes. Students can choose from nearly 30 on-campus spaces to do their work in using the Penn State Go app.

To make the most of your remote learning room experience and make sure others can safely learn, too, we’ve created our first-ever remote learning etiquette guide. As long as you consider these points, make smart choices, and try not to be an ass, your remote learning room sojourns should run smoothly.

Mask Up & Practice Social Distancing

How many times have you heard this over the past six months? Wearing a mask is the most important thing you can do right now. After all, no one wants to be exposed to any germs (or viruses!) you may be carrying. Do yourself a favor and make sure you are seated at least 6 feet away from other students.

And don’t just wear a mask. Wear it correctly. Yes, that means over your nose and not as a chinstrap. It’s not just for your own safety, but for the safety of your fellow students.

Pack Headphones

I thought this would be a given, but I quickly realized it wasn’t. While I was using one of the remote learning spaces, someone in the same room as I was attending her Zoom class with no headphones at all. That’s right, the audio was just blasting throughout the room. After at least 30 seconds of this, I needed to get up and leave.

Folks, no one wants to hear your professor talk about stuff that we couldn’t care less about. It’s extremely distracting and annoying. Even if you just forgot to plug your headphones in, the least you can do is mute your volume until you get your act together.

Don’t Talk

Listen, it’s great to be social and to interact with others. Just don’t do it while others are trying to concentrate on their classes. Like not wearing headphones, it’s distracting and completely unnecessary. Save your talking for your walks around campus or literally any other time.

However, if you’re tuning into class remotely and want to contribute, do so respectfully. Use an inside voice and make sure you aren’t pissing off your neighbors.

I’m sure a lot of us have enough trouble as it is concentrating during our Zoom classes. We don’t need to hear what was said in your group chat last night.

Wipe Down The Desk When You’re Done

From what I’ve seen, cleaning wipes are located on the front desk of each remote learning room. When you’re ready to leave, wipe down the desk and chair that you used. It’s a courtesy to the person who uses it after you, and it is a necessary step to take in order for Penn State to stay healthy and safe.

Don’t Overcrowd Rooms

With more than 26 remote learning rooms scattered around campus, there’s no reason to pack into any like sardines. If the room’s capacity is 10 people, respect it and understand that means no more than 10 people. Each room’s capacity is set to make sure students can socially distance.

If you see a room that has reached maximum capacity, simply try some of the other rooms that are close to your location. You can check a room’s current capacity using the app.

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While this semester is an adjustment for both students and faculty, the least you can do is try to be as respectful as possible whether you’re on Zoom or in a remote learning room.