Can't concentrate in class

I didn't know whether to post this in school or aspergers. It's a little of both. It's more of a rant than anything.

I have to take a linguistics course for my degree. It's mildly interesting, in that I enjoy reading the texts and learning to write in IPA which is almost like a secret code language... but going to the classes is brutal for me.

I have some issues with sensory integration and the linguistics class is very focused on specific sounds. I have excessively good hearing and being in that class is like some kind of mental torture.

Never mind the lack of volume control that the prof has on her sound files... Very often I cannot tell the difference in pronunciation when she is talking. That is extremely disadvantageous for me.

There are these immature girls who come to each class and talk the whole time (I don't know why they bother! they must think uni is like high school) which is obviously distracting but I can hear them no matter how far I sit away. When they talk, other people seem to follow suit and start talking to their friends, so there is a constant murmur in the room. I know I'm not the only one bothered by this because I've noticed several other people giving these instigators dirty looks.

As well, every single chair in that !@#$ing room is a swivel chair that needs some oil because all 300 or so of them creak and squeak and grind on their metal supports. Add the noise of people coming and going and flipping papers and not turning of their vibrating phones in this cement room (no sound absorption so it tends to ricochet around) and there is absolutely no way I can get anything out of the lectures.

I am so SO frustrated because I am at the point where I can still turn my mark around for this class (I'm passing but I know I can do better), and I'm trying so hard but this freaking brain problem I have is getting in the way!

I usually don't talk to profs, but after class today I shared with her my concerns about the people talking in class for the last 3 days, since that is extremely disrespectful and I felt it should be addressed. I felt juvenile for "telling", but I've seen profs address the problem and tell people to be quiet or get out for bothering others like that on a consistent basis. The prof was dismissive and told me she can't do anything and I should just sit closer to the front. (I sit in the middle) I said "sure I'll do that..." and I left the class and cried all the way home. I will sit closer to the front but it won't help very much amid the other noises that no one can do anything about. I hate this school... it always manages to make my social anxiety worse. I felt really blown off by the prof and I think that is what triggered me to cry. I have a really hard time talking to them as it is.

This is the number one reason I don't want to go to university, so I totally understand your annoyance. Apart from standing up in front of the class with a megaphone and telling them to shut their mouths, there isn't much you can do to make people do what they don't want to... I know when I get overwhelmed by noises I plug my ears (it doesn't make it much quieter, but it does help with the "hum" of the background noise when you're trying to concentrate on one thing). You could also try bringing a camera or audio recorder to class so you can go back and listen for things you've missed. Good luck with your schooling!

Oh my God, finally someone who understands the way that I feel about those ******* swivel chairs that just squeak nonstop and it's like WHY CAN'T ANY OF YOU SIT STILL?! Grrrr!

I'm really sorry that you're having such a hard time concentrating. Honestly, I wish your professor would do a bit more about it. I raised a concern with one of my professors before about people talking and he informed me that he would intervene if he got too many complaints. Maybe, if you know anyone else in the class, you could have them complain to the professor as well? I'd definitely take her advice though and sit closer to the front. Even if you won't help you much, a little bit is better than nothing.

Is it possible for you to record the class on your laptop or anything? Of course, it'd still pick up the background noises, but if you're really feeling like you won't be able to concentrate in class, then it might be easier to just listen to the recording later when you're less frustrated about all of the distractions. Linguistics is a really bad class to not be able to hear in.

I hope you can resolve this somehow. I know how frustrating it is. Hang in there!

Professor is one of those who hates technology. Laptops are not allowed in class. I'll see what I can do though, thanks for the suggestions. I'm definitely not taking any more linguistics courses... I've decided I don't like the arts. I'm not even sure I'm going to go back next term. I just don't see the point when I'm not getting any positive experiences or benefit from going.