Small Classes, Big Impact: Students Share What Intimate Learning Feels Like
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At Rutgers Camden, it is nearly impossible to go unnoticed in the back of a classroom. With most courses averaging 15 to 20 students, the university’s small class sizes shape how students participate, connect, and experience campus life.
Students say the intimate setting increases visibility and accountability. While that can create pressure, many believe it also strengthens academic engagement and relationships with professors.
Savannah Shaw, a nursing student, said fewer students demands greater focus, “It’s a more intimate setting, and the professor can genuinely know you by name.” She explained that knowing she is recognized in class motivates her to stay prepared and engaged. “I’ll be damned if my professor knows me as the girl who doesn’t know what’s going on.”
In her nursing courses, participation is mandatory. Professors frequently call on students and ask questions throughout class, making it difficult to sit back without contributing. Shaw said that level of visibility has helped her retain information more carefully. Other students echoed that smaller classrooms create stronger accountability.
Prisca, a senior, said being recognized by professors influences her performance. “I usually work hard because I am known by professors most of the time,” she said. Although Prisca said her studying habits remain the same regardless of class size, she described smaller courses as “community-like,” where it is easier to connect with peers and faculty.
Students also noted differences in classroom interaction. Discussions are more frequent, and peer engagement happens naturally. Prisca recalled her psychology class, where students regularly turned to a partner to discuss ideas before sharing with the group, which she said made her feel more involved in the course.
Zoey, an art history student, said the dynamic contrasts sharply with large lecture halls, “Less people in a classroom means I’m more comfortable speaking up.” She added that smaller courses encourage better discussion and stronger student interaction.
Still, increased visibility does not always bring comfort. Zoey said that fewer students in a room can heighten social anxiety because it becomes harder to remain unnoticed. However, she believes the benefits outweigh the discomfort, especially for students seeking stronger connections with professors.
Several students said smaller classes make it more likely for professors to learn names, recognize strengths, and provide individualized feedback. That familiarity can make office hours and follow-up conversations feel more approachable.
Classroom size, students said, is often an overlooked factor that significantly shapes the college experience. Many described Rutgers Camden’s academic environment as different from the traditional image of crowded lecture halls filled with hundreds of students.
The scale of the campus also contributes to repeated interaction. Students frequently see classmates in student organizations, work study roles and other campus spaces, reinforcing relationships formed in class. Conversations that begin in the classroom often extend beyond academics.
At the same time, students acknowledged that class size alone does not determine success. Prisca emphasized that learning ultimately depends on individual effort, regardless of how many students are in the room.
Even so, the inability to “blend in” was described as a defining feature of the Rutgers Camden experience. For some, it creates anxiety. For others, it builds confidence.
Whether viewed as intimidating or empowering, students said small learning environments impact not only academic performance, but also how connected they feel to the campus community.
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