As a student, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that skipping class and studying on your own is the “efficient” way to succeed. I’ve been there. In fact, I’m currently navigating a course that feels completely out of my comfort zone. It involves math, a field that, to be honest, intimidates me. Like many students, I’ve had my fair share of intrusive thoughts... maybe I could just study by myself, avoid the lectures, and be more “productive.”
But here’s the reality: skipping class, especially when you're struggling with a topic, can easily backfire. After a few attempts at this “self-study” approach, I quickly realized that being present in class provides far more than just the lessons on the syllabus—it offers essential guidance, motivation, and opportunities for growth that I would miss out on if I decided to go it alone. If you're in a similar situation, here are five reasons why you should go to class, even when it feels tough:
1. Staying on track and building momentum
When you’re learning something completely new (like math—or any subject that feels overwhelming), it’s easy to lose track of where you are. The syllabus might seem like a distant mountain, and every lecture feels like a struggle to keep up. The temptation to skip class and “study on your own terms” can be strong. But here’s the thing: by attending class regularly, you stay aligned with the pace of the course. Missing even a few lectures can lead to gaps in your understanding that are difficult to fill on your own.
I’ve personally found that going to class helps me feel grounded in the material. It’s like each lecture is a small victory that builds upon the last. Even if I don’t fully understand everything at first, just being present and following along gives me a sense of direction I wouldn’t have if I stayed home.
2. You’re not alone—everyone struggles
One of the hardest things about taking a challenging course is the feeling of isolation. In those moments when you’re struggling, it’s easy to convince yourself that you’re the only one who doesn’t get it, and that everyone else is breezing through. But in reality, you’re far from alone.
Being in class allows you to see that other students are grappling with similar challenges. It’s comforting to realize that everyone is in this together, and that struggling with a concept doesn’t make you “less smart” or incapable—it just means you’re learning. For me, just hearing others ask questions or make small mistakes in real time has been a reminder that no one is perfect, and growth takes time.
3. The power of asking questions
Let’s face it: learning something new can be really confusing. And when you’re sitting at home alone, trying to work through a difficult concept, the frustration can build up quickly. But when you’re in class, you have the invaluable opportunity to ask questions in real time.
This is something I’ve come to appreciate more in my second year. The feeling of not understanding a concept fully is frustrating, but when I attend class, I have the chance to raise my hand, ask questions, and clarify things before they become insurmountable. In my experience, some of the best insights come not from self-study, but from asking a simple question during class that unlocks a deeper understanding.
4. Guidance and focus on a sea of topics
A huge challenge in any course—especially one that involves a lot of material—is figuring out what to focus on. With so many topics to cover, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what’s most important. This is where the role of the instructor becomes invaluable.
When you attend class, your instructor can help you identify which areas need more attention, where you might be slipping up, and what concepts are foundational for your success later on. In my case, attending class has given me the opportunity to get a clearer sense of where I should concentrate my study efforts, especially when I feel lost amidst a mountain of topics. Without that guidance, I might waste time on things that aren’t as important or miss key insights that would help me grasp the material more effectively.
5. Building resilience and patience
This is perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned: resilience and patience are key to navigating a course that’s outside your comfort zone. At times, it’s easy to wonder if you’re wasting your time, or if you should just drop the class altogether. I’ve certainly had those thoughts myself—when the going gets tough, it can feel easier to quit than to push through.
But I’ve come to realize that patience is essential for growth. Struggling doesn’t mean failing—it’s part of the learning process. And resilience doesn’t mean pushing yourself past your limits, but rather showing up consistently and doing the best you can, even when things don’t come easily. By staying in class, even when I feel uncertain or insecure about the material, I’m building the mental strength to overcome challenges, which will serve me in this class and beyond.
A little reflection
When you feel like dropping out of class, take a moment to ask yourself: Are you not enjoying the course, or are you feeling insecure about it? Often, the pressure we feel comes from a lack of confidence rather than a lack of interest. It’s important to distinguish between the two. If you're dealing with many responsibilities outside of class, it might be affecting your motivation to show up. In those cases, it’s important to recognize that attending class is a vital part of taking care of your academic well-being—and it’s okay to ask for help if you're overwhelmed.
Patience and resilience are built one day at a time. Even if the material is difficult or the course feels like a major stretch, you can absolutely get through it by taking small steps, asking questions, and showing up.
Keep going—you’re more capable than you think
In the end, going to class isn’t just about receiving lessons—it’s about showing up for yourself and building the skills that will serve you beyond the classroom. Even when it feels challenging, even when your mind tells you that studying alone is the “easier” path, remember that attending class provides more than just knowledge—it provides the support, structure, and guidance you need to succeed.
So, the next time you feel like skipping class, think about the bigger picture. Your future self will thank you for staying committed and resilient in the face of uncertainty. You’ve got this!