THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTENDING LECTURES

James Klusener

@jamesklusener

 

There comes a time in every university student’s journey when they skip their first lecture. Maybe they decide to sleep in or hang out with friends, but most of us, at some point, do skip a lecture.

 

As boring or repetitive as they may sometimes seem, lectures can be valuable resources if you use them correctly. Professors often make use of slides, and while it can be frustrating when a lecturer simply recites them word for word — something you could easily have done from your own bed — more often than not, they provide extra context and insight beyond what appears on the screen. And realistically, how likely are we to go through those slides without attending the lecture itself? Unless it’s the day before the exam, probably not very likely.

 

Attending lectures is about more than just collecting extra bits of information from professors. It helps you stay in sync with your course and provides structure that keeps you consistent and up to date with the module content throughout the semester. It creates a sense of routine and stability, which can be especially valuable when university life feels unpredictable.

 

Lectures can also be particularly useful before exam season, as some professors may drop hints about upcoming assessments. Many students stop attending lectures toward the end of the semester, whether to focus on studying or simply because they’re exhausted. Professors are aware of this and often reward those who continue to attend by sharing guidance or insights that can make studying easier.

 

There are other small but meaningful benefits as well. Regularly attending lectures can improve your ability to focus and absorb information. Attention is a skill, and by sitting through lectures and engaging with your lecturer, you strengthen your capacity to concentrate and participate actively in your learning.

 

In short, lectures help you stay grounded, focused, and in rhythm with your studies. They are small investments of time that can pay off significantly when it matters most. And since you are paying for them, you might as well make the most of what they offer. Life is about using the resources available to you — lectures are one of those resources.

 

 

Edited by Mignon Walters