bluebird

Is it better to try and have recitations on the same day as the lecture or on opposite days?
Do students bring their books to class?

PiperXP

I don't think it really matters

For GIRs, people don't seem to bring books to class, in my experience. To HASSes, it's useful.

molliebatmit

That's usually more a scheduling issue than anything else -- it's often easier to fit in recitation on opposite days from lecture, because you can then have that class at the same time every day.

Learning-wise, you could make an argument either way, because it might be better to have a night to digest the material from lecture, or it might be better to have recitation while the lecture material is still fresh in your mind.

Vivi

Keep in mind you are always welcome to switch recitations (with the exception of some classes like 14.01), so I'd definitely recommend you "shop" around for the recitation leader that you feel caters best towards your style of learning, regardless if it's on the day of lecture or on the days inbetween. I think having a recitation leader you can understand and learn from is far more important than worrying about which days to schedule it.

Freshman fall, you're restricted to taking roughly 4-5 classes worth of credit, so there'll be plenty of free space to shuffle things around if need be. Definitely be proactive the first few weeks of school and find the teachers and TA's that help most.

Personally, I enjoy recitations on the days between lecture, since - as Mollie stated - it allows me to think about the material from lecture and come up with questions to ask. Some others might find it more useful to attend recitation right after lecture so the lecture is fresh in their mind. It really depends on what works best for you.