Can I sit next to the opposite gender in class?

Why it's generally allowed

A classroom is a public place with a teacher and other students present, so there is no seclusion (khalwa), which is the main thing Islam forbids between unrelated men and women. In the Prophet's ﷺ time, women attended the mosque and asked questions. They even asked him for a day of teaching just for them, and he gave it (Sahih al-Bukhari 101). Learning together in one space isn't the issue; behavior is.

The manners that matter

The next verse gives women the same instruction. In class this means:

• Talk about the work, not flirting or personal topics.
• Avoid unnecessary touching, leaning in or long staring.
• Keep modest dress and a respectful tone.
• Don't move the friendship into private chats or meetups. See Can I chat with the opposite gender online as a Muslim?

When you have a choice

If seating is free, it's better and more comfortable for many Muslims to sit with their own gender. That isn't rude; most teachers won't mind. If the teacher assigns seats, sit where you're put without fuss. You can quietly ask to move if a classmate makes you uncomfortable. Some scholars are stricter and prefer separation whenever possible, so families may have different preferences.

Group work and labs

Pair work and mixed lab groups follow the same rules: stay on task and in the open. See Can I work in mixed group projects as a Muslim? The thing to avoid is being alone together, such as one-on-one study in an empty room. See Can I study alone with a classmate of the opposite gender?