How to Avoid Skipping Class

Talk to your professor. Missing even one class can leave you behind in your coursework. It's crucial to talk to your professor as soon as possible to catch up and let them know that despite missing a class (or multiple), you're committed to understanding the material and doing well in the course. Sending an email can be a good way to start, allowing you to carefully word your message.

• Follow up by attending your professor’s office hours. This will make a stronger impression, and they will be more inclined to support your success in the class.
• Even if you’ve missed more classes than you’ve attended, and you think passing seems impossible, it’s still worth trying to talk to your professor to see if there’s any possibility of salvaging your grade.

Talk to your parents. Yes, you read that correctly. While it might be tempting to avoid getting into trouble, being open with your parents about your poor attendance can motivate you to stop repeating the same mistakes. It also gives them a heads-up, so if bad grades come later, they won't be caught completely off guard.

If depression or anxiety are preventing you from attending class, seek help. Depression and anxiety are major reasons many college students miss multiple classes in a semester. Missing a class often leads to more stress and sadness, which then creates a sense of being overwhelmed, preventing you from attending your next class, and thus, a negative cycle continues. Handling depression and anxiety on your own can be incredibly challenging, so get assistance as soon as possible. And always remember, no matter how tough things may seem, self-harm is never the answer. College may be difficult, but it’s temporary.

Don't let yourself oversleep. Set an alarm that’s loud enough, and if necessary, have your coffee ready to brew as soon as you wake up. Stretch your body and splash cold water on your face. Try to avoid hitting the snooze button.

• If you can break the snooze habit, not only will getting to class be easier, but you'll also likely feel more rested. Constantly being jolted awake by the snooze button interrupts your sleep, which doesn't actually help you feel more rested.
• If you plan to nap later in the day, set your alarm for either 20 or 90 minutes, and avoid using the snooze button! Remember: if you snooze, you lose!

Prepare for your class in advance. Make sure all your homework is done, read the textbook sections beforehand, and gather all necessary materials. However, if you don’t manage to prepare, don’t use it as an excuse to skip class! Going to class unprepared is still better than not attending at all.

Arrive to class ahead of time. Walking into class late can feel awkward, and the thought of 'I’m already late, I might as well skip' can easily be avoided by showing up early. That said, don’t let one mistake turn into an excuse! You’re in college, so your professors and fellow students likely won’t mind if you walk in a little late.

Know your schedule inside and out. Even if you're sure about the timing and location of your next class, always double-check. This is especially crucial during the first couple of weeks.

Decide that you can go to class, and commit to it. This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s actually the main reason some students skip numerous classes. Going to class isn’t as bad as it might seem!

• While attending class might not offer the immediate perks of sleeping in your dorm or hanging out with friends, remember that skipping class has its own consequences. Going and actively participating can be surprisingly rewarding. Decide today that you won’t skip any more classes—you’ve got this!