As a college student with straight A’s you’re probably expecting me to tell you to never skip class but I’m here to tell you that you can skip class and get away with it! Oh yeah, for real. Knowing when to skip class is an easily acquired skill but getting skip-happy is like a one-way trip to failing or getting on your professors bad side.
All in all, skipping class isn’t the worst thing in the world if it’s done properly. So, without further ado, here’s when to skip class and when to definitely not skip it! Also, I’ll throw in some tips on how to skip class which sounds super redundant but hear me out first! Would it be read me out since you’re reading it? Read me out sounds creepy, nevermind. Just keep scrolling, friends.
When To Skip & When Not to Skip
Of course there are cases when you have to skip class, so take this (as always) with a grain of salt. Also, don’t make a huge habit of skipping class because it’s not a good habit to have.
1. It’s raining or cold outside.
Don’t skip. Put on your rain boots and a jacket and get your ass to class. If it’s a blizzard or a really horrible downpour and you have to drive to class then perhaps you should skip, but if it’s a five minute walk and it’s drizzling you can make it to class.
2. You feel a little bit sick or have a headache.
Skip. You probably won’t retain much if you don’t feel well and you don’t want to get anyone else sick. Seriously, if you’re actually ill do not go to class. No one appreciates coughs and sniffles every two seconds and the danger of getting a disease.
I do suggest the posts How To Deal With Being Sick In College if you are the sick one and How Not To Get Sick In College if you do happen to encounter someone who’s sick in your class.
3. You didn’t do your paper that’s due that day.
Don’t skip. Skipping class will probably just make this worse. They know why you’re skipping. Instead, get your paper done or apologize to your professor in person.
4. You’ve already skipped 1-2 classes.
Don’t skip. Stop skipping class, dude. You’ll probably be penalized for it at some point and even if the syllabus doesn’t outwardly say it, the professor is probably going to notice and it won’t always reflect too kindly on your grade. Remember how much you’re paying for tuition, also. Yikes. Don’t let it go to waste.
5. It’s really nice outside.
Don’t skip. You can lounge in the grass after class. Your class probably isn’t that long anyway.
6. You mentally just feel drained and crappy.
Skip class. If you’re in a super bad mood and you just don’t feel like facing the world, you’re allowed to skip class every once in a while
7. You have an exam/presentation.
DO NOT SKIP. Nope. If you absolutely must skip, let your professor know in advance and be sure to check the syllabus for the consequences of missing a test or presentation. If it’s a group presentation seriously don’t skip, you’re screwing yourself over and a bunch of other people over, too.
8. You’re running late.
Depends. If you’re more than 15 minutes late, you might just want to skip at that point. If it’s been less than 15 minutes, go to class but be courteous. Also, apologize to the professor after class for some brownie points.
9. You don’t want to wake up early.
Don’t skip. Tough nuggets, fam. Set your alarm and get some coffee and get your ass to class. Don’t take a morning class next semester.
10. You just really, really don’t care about the class or professor.
Don’t skip too often. I have been in this boat so many times, I think we all have. Even if the class is irrelevant to you and the professor is a monotone turd, don’t skip class too much. Even if it’s boring and you’re not learning, at least give it a shot. If anything, go to class and do work for another class on your laptop while pretending to pay attention…I mean, um, yeah do what you want.
11. It’s a discussion class and you didn’t do the reading that’s being discussed.
Skip it. This is when to skip class if you absolutely can’t do the reading beforehand. You won’t have anything to discuss, will you? This isn’t good for you but spend the time you would have spent in class reading what you were supposed to read. Be on top of things next time, though, because missing a ton of discussions can be bad in the long run.
12. You’re not doing well in the class.
Don’t skip it. Do you think avoiding your problems will make them better? No way, Jose. Go to class and even go to office hours or speak to your professor after class to see what you can do to improve or how to study for the next exam, etc.
How To Properly Skip Class
1. E-mail your professor in advance if possible.
As soon as you know you’re going to skip send a quick and polite e-mail. You can find a super easy example of one in my How Not To Be An Asshole: College Class Edition post.
If it’s not possible to e-mail in advance feel free to send a quick e-mail later in the day apologizing for missing class and saying you’ll get the notes and be ready to go for next class! It’s not necessary but I always do so and I find that a lot of professors like the courtesy.
2. Don’t get too specific unless necessary.
Getting too specific usually equates to lying. Never make up a story about your mom being sick or getting into a car crash or whatever. You don’t owe an explanation unless it’s a huge issue that would lead to more absences. For example, if a family member has died and this will lead to more absences or a delay in your papers or projects, then it’s wise to fill the professor in. If you’re skipping because you overslept, no need to throw that in.
3. Look at the syllabus for the attendance policy.
Some professors have specific instructions for when you miss a class and many have repercussions, usually in terms of grades. If points are taken off after you miss two classes be extra cautious when skipping and keep track of your absences! Don’t ever lose points on your GPA just for skipping class.
4. Text people from your class or message them on Facebook after.
Ask them if anything important happened or any important due dates or assignments were announced. Ask them if they can send you a picture of their notes and be super polite about it if they’re going out of their way to help you! Also check your class’s website if you have one. It’s always helpful to ask more than one person if you can and it’s definitely helpful to ask someone who you know is a good student.
How do you know when to skip class?
