Contact an English instructor before the first class meeting to get information on the course, as this shows interest and seriousness. Find out the texts needed for the course and purchase them before class starts. Ask the instructor before the first meeting if it is possible to acquire a syllabus.
Show up to the first class session a few minutes early. Introduce yourself to the instructor if he or she is not busy. Tell the instructor anything pertinent that may affect your attendance such as health problems, military duty or family obligations. An instructor usually asks all students to write these things down and turn in at the first class session.
Complete all assignments before they are due. Ask the instructor for advice on any assignments, even if you understand the material, as asking supplemental questions shows interest and initiative. For example, if an assignment requires students to write a narrative, ask the instructor if a certain topic is appropriate in terms of content and length.
Email the instructor for serious problem or ask for a conference. Work with the instructor's schedule, rather than demanding he or she meet you at a certain time. Bring all materials and sources to the conference. Consider that the instructor often has many students, so keeping appointments not only looks good, but is absolutely essential.
Show respect for your instructor and to other classmates. Help other students during class projects and participate in class discussions. If your grades are not as high as you like, ask your instructor for extra help or for an extra credit assignment.