[starpilot]

One tip I'd add: don't limit asking for prof/TA help to office hours. Knock and ask politely, and most (all, in my experience) will gladly answer questions on homeworks or lectures. Many seem to appreciate the chance to have a break from their work to talk with a student.

[endgame]

When I was tutoring, I was glad to have students who cared enough about the work to attack it in advance.