Missing class is never a good thing.

1. For one, you’re WASTING money. You pay thousands of dollars to attend university; not going to class is essentially wasting money you paid for that class.
2. You’re MISSING out. I once had a professor who said if you’re going to e-mail a professor about missing a class never EVER ask, “Did I miss anything?” Because the answer is always yes. Yes, you did miss something, OF COURSE, you missed something. Instead ask, “What did I miss?” The reality is that you missed new information about a topic, test announcements, test corrections, reviews, time to work on something—whatever it is, you missed it and now you have to catch up.
3. It’s UNPROFESSIONAL. I don’t know why you’re not going to class, but it doesn’t look good that you’re not there. Whether it’s because you slept in or weren’t prepared it doesn’t speak good things of you to not show up. Regardless if attendance is mandatory or not.
4. It’s RUDE. Yup, I said it. It is rude. The rest of the class is making the effort to go, why aren’t you?
5. It’s FOR YOU. At the end of the day, (in theory) these classes are supposed to help prepare for what you want to do. By not showing up, you’re not helping yourself get ready for your career. You’re not expanding your knowledge.

However, there are exceptions to every rule. Things come up, and I totally understand that. But by arbitrarily missing class you’re not saving your skip day for a time you either A. really need or B. really want it.

1. A family emergency. This can and does happen to all of us at random times. Missing class for a family emergency is something you can’t help. But if you’ve gone to every class you can go to, missing won’t put any further stress on you.
2. You’re sick. This is the same idea, you can’t help if you’ve got the flu. Going to class will only give everyone else the flu, so stay in bed and rest knowing you can afford to miss class today.
3. Mentally—you need a day. Sometimes we got very overwhelmed about all the projects, exams, and things in general that life throws at us. It can take a heavy toll on the mind. If you’re in dire need of a day, you are at the age you can decide not take one—but only if it’s necessary.
4. A concert/another fun activity that we probably shouldn’t go to but go to anyways. Hey, I’m being honest. This is honestly the main reason I go to class. As a concert junkie, I know there might be a concert that comes up that I won’t want to miss and I don’t want to feel guilty missing class. However, if I’ve never missed a class and I’m lucky enough the information isn’t incomprehensible on my own—to the concert it is! #GoodGirlProblems? Or perhaps not because I’m missing class.

You’re probably thinking this article is somewhat contradictory, but I’m being realistic. I know just as much as I think it’s important to never miss class, I also think sometimes we want to do things that class get in the way of. We’re adults and we’re allowed to decide these things for ourselves now. However, your excuse for missing class needs to be a damn good one that you feel comfortable and confident with. Just plan it out and judge accordingly.