University or college often feels like the ‘next step’ to becoming an adult, so naturally many who attend are determined to do well. And, as almost any introductory lecture will tell you, attendance has a correlation with success – so it would seem to make sense to attend each and every lecture.
But what if you can’t?
There are lots of medical reasons why you might feel like you cannot attend a lecture- mental health problems, fatigue, anaemia, or nutritional deficiencies, so if you often feel like you cannot attend your studies, it is advised that you seek professional help.
But, obviously you can’t get instant help, and it is common to feel guilty after missing a lecture (especially if you suffer from anxiety).
That being said, it is completely normal to miss lectures once in a while during your education, so here’s some tips to help avoid these common reasons to skip:
1. You’re Busy
Probably the most frequent reason for missing a lecture is an upcoming deadline. Courses often have badly timed deadlines which mean that organising your time effectively is crucial.
If your lecture will affect the efficiency of you handing in your assignment, and your grades, it is alright to prioritise your due work if necessary. After all, you can catch-up once your work is submitted.
Being busy also comes with stress, so while you are chasing deadlines, remember to take regular breaks, eat well and look after yourself too.
Tip: If you struggle with deadlines, try putting them in a calendar and checking them regularly (or setting reminders if it is a mobile calendar). This way you can keep track of your due work, and complete it in time to make it to your lectures.
2. You’re Too Tired
Early morning lectures are the bane of every student’s life. Despite the fact that the majority of people were getting up even earlier for school every day beforehand, at university 9am lectures are rarely attended by a full class of students. I’ve seen classes of 200 fall to about 40 because the lecture is too early.
And this is okay, as long as you work when you are able to in order to catch up. There is absolutely no point in attending a lecture only to fall asleep halfway through, or be unable to process the contents of the lecture.
It is better for both you and your education if you get a healthy amount of sleep before attending your lectures and if you cannot attend simply catch-up when you have the time and energy.
Tip: If you’re struggling to make it to your early lectures, try planning your time around them. Make sure you are not going to bed too late the night before, and if you have trouble sleeping please consult a doctor, or look for some advice online about insomnia.
3. Your Mental Health
A lot of symptoms of mental health disorders come with a lack of energy (namely depression), accompanied by other symptoms. If you persistently feel low in energy, and have little motivation and little concentration, you may be suffering from a mental health disorder.
This is totally normal and incredibly common – a lot of people have good and bad days with mental health, and some bad days are more debilitating than others. Some days you may have low enough anxiety and high enough energy and motivation to complete your daily tasks, but on others getting out of bed seems like an effort.
If you’re having a day where you’re feeling particularly low and wouldn’t be able to handle the stress of a lecture, do not feel obliged to go. Some people like distractions from their mental health – but others can’t handle extra pressure well. If your mental health is poor, there is no shame in having to take time off from your daily life in order to recover*.
*This is assuming you are able to take time off, many from poorer backgrounds with part-time jobs often cannot take time out of their lives as they rely on their income to remain living.
Tip: Organising your time well can help you manage your mental illness. Many find that always attending their lectures can help them get into a good routine. Hobbies are also important to remaining mentally healthy, and organising your hobbies around your lectures can enhance your enjoyment of your course, your hobbies and your life. Plus, building a good friendship group can give you people who can help you improve your attendance as you can go to lectures and study together.
Or Even All Three
Once you have moved out, it seems like responsibilities fall upon you all at once. It can be very, very overwhelming – but it just takes time and practise to get into the swing of things. Eating well, exercising, if possible and getting a good amount of rest and relaxation will all help you to feel less stressed.
If you are consistently tired and/or worried about your mental health, please seek the help of a professional who will be able to provide you with some treatment plans or lifestyle changes to help you live well and study hard.
