How to Not Skip Class

My freshman year in college was not my best academically. With my new found independence came lots of responsibility. Unfortunately I didn't always handle that responsibility well. One of my big problems was skipping class. Whether the result of peer pressure, laziness or exhaustion, there were lots of reasons for me to miss class. As I've gotten older, and more mature, I now realize that there were things I could have done to avoid the temptation of skipping a class. Here are a few tips that I've learned that may help you make sure that you get to class.

Be careful with breaks in your schedule. Having a break in your class schedule is an open invitation to skip a class. Your mind quickly starts thinking of all the things you want, or need, to do. If your not careful you will find yourself far away from your classroom. If possible, I recommend not scheduling any breaks in your schedule. I realize that this is not a reality for everyone so for everyone else, be careful! Try not to leave campus during your break. Eat lunch on campus not at a local restaurant. Instead of going back to your dorm room, head to the library and use your free time to study. Not only will this help you avoid skipping class, but you will get your work done, thus giving you more free time after class.

Reward yourself for making it to class consistently. It's always important to remind yourself why you are doing what you are doing. Especially during a hard semester in college. Instead of skipping class, think of a reward you will give yourself for working hard, attending all your classes, and accomplishing your goals. Maybe there is something you will buy yourself at the end of the semester. You could plan a big vacation at the end of the semester. Planning a reward can be just what you need to keeping going to class, even when you feel the urge to skip.

Avoid evening classes when possible. Sometimes evening classes are your only option. Because of a job, or other responsibilities, this is the only time you can take classes. This is understandable. However if you can schedule your classes during the day, do so. Many college freshman look forward to their new freedom and schedule class that allow them to sleep late. While this may sound appealing, it can be dangerous. It takes discipline to make it to class in the evening, especially if you have a job during the daytime. Schedule your classes earlier in the day and you will be less likely to skip.

Be careful of the company you keep. Friends can have lots of influence on you. If you are hanging around people that skip class, you are going to skip class as well. You must be careful of the company you keep, especially during your first year or so in college. Not every college student is a serious one. If you hang around someone who's telling you to skip class and hang out, you eventually are going to give in.

In the end, skipping class is a decision you make for yourself. Following some of the above mentioned tip though, will set you up to succeed in this constant ongoing battle.