Just make sure you have other people with you if you take him up on the drink for your birthday.
Just to clarify the professor who is offering to take me out for a drink is a she. The one I am talking about visiting during office hours is a he. Two different professors that I had last semester.
I still think it’s odd for a professor to take a student out for a drink, especially when she’s just turning 21.
Rule #1: professional visits are fine.
Rule #2: see rule #1.
I emailed my professor and he responded saying yes that I could visit during office hours!
You can visit during office hours. It is definitely okay. They are happy to talk to you about their area of expertise, or give you advice about careers etc.
What you don’t want to do is:
Take time away from students who are in that class…like if someone is there for questions, let them go first.
Take up too much of their time…by that I mean talking about non-relevant topics for the entire time and coming back multiple days in a row.
Saoirse, I was also not a 1st Gen student when I went to college in the dark ages. And I also had confusion and misgivings about visiting my professors and advisors. This may be something that happens to 1st Gen students, but I think it can happen to any student.
I think your doubts and questions about the situation is a normal thing for some students. Please don’t feel you’re odd for wondering if such a visit is okay. Some students won’t think twice about it – other students will think about it 100 times before visiting or not visiting. Everyone is different.
Now that you know it is okay, please visit the professor. And continue to visit if the professor gives you good advice. If the professor thinks you should consult with someone else, the professor will tell you. Until then, visit the professor.
Good luck at your new school!