More students skip university as term comes to an end and deadlines approach.

Image credits: Snabil Nadeem

By Snabil Nadeem

As the university term comes to an end, attendance at Kingston University is noticeably dropping, with many students choosing to stay at home instead of commuting to campus.  

While classrooms were busy during the start of the term, they are now looking much emptier, especially morning lectures. Results from a recent survey conducted on this issue found that 74% of students said that they attend fewer lectures towards the end of the term. For a lot of students, it’s not just about losing motivation. With assignments deadlines piling up and exams season around the corner, many say they simply don’t have the time or energy to commute.  

“Right now, I just feel overwhelmed,” said second-year creative writing student Lindsay Lacsmana. “I've got so many assignments due all around the same time, and commuting takes up so much of my day. I'd rather stay at home and actually get work done.”  

Commuting has become a big reason why students decide to stay at home. According to the same survey 61% who travel from outside of Kingston said the long journeys make them less likely to attend lectures as the journey feels even harder to deal with when they’re already stressed.  

“At the start of the term I had really good attendance, i used to come in to almost all of my lectures, but now, if I've got only one lecture in a day, then it doesn’t seem worth spending time travelling to university. I can use that time to revise at home.” Said Aaliya, a psychology student.  

Others admit that having access to online materials has made it easier to skip face to face lectures. PowerPoint slides and online resources mean students can keep up with their work without having to come in to class.  

The survey found that 58% of students prefer studying from during exam season, saying it allows them to manage their time more effectively.  

“If all the slides are uploaded to Canvas anyways, what’s the point of coming in when you can just go over them in your own time.” Said second year student Zeij Zahir. “Especially when you are tired or stressed, it feels like the easier option.” He added.  

Despite this, some students say they feel guilty missing classes. “You do miss the interaction though,” added Aaliya. “learning from your room is not quite the same.”  

For some students, keeping a routine by attending in person is still important, even during stressful periods.  

“I try to come in as much as I can,” said Sadie Brock, a second year English student. “Even if i don’t feel like it, it helps me stay focused and keeps me in a routine.”  

For now though, many students are simply trying to get through the final weeks in the way that works best for them. Whether that means attending lectures or studying from home.