Recovering from Missing the First Two Weeks of University: A Guide

College is different from high school. Chance are that your classes only met once or twice a week. You might not have missed as much information as you think. If you've found yourself behind due to missing the first two weeks, there are steps you can take to catch up and avoid withdrawing from the program.

Step 1: Reengage with Your Classes

The first crucial step is to attend each class. Then, reach out to your professors and teaching assistants (TA) during their office hours. Have a good explanation as to why you missed class. It should be sincere, such as, 'Unfortunately, I had to deal with Covid during those weeks.'

Ask them about the possibility of making up any missed assignments and catching up with the class. If they agree, make a committed effort to work hard and stay on top of your studies.

Step 2: Act Promptly and Utilize Resources

The majority of colleges and universities have a two-week window before WP/WF (Withdrawal/Pass) is an option. If you haven't already, contact the registrar immediately and explain your situation. They can guide you on the necessary steps to take this window.

Consider borrowing notes from classmates or reaching out to your professors. Two weeks is not a long time, and it's important not to get discouraged. With effort, you can catch up.

Step 3: Evaluate and Address Core Issues

I doubt that missing the first 2 weeks of university is incredibly detrimental to your education. Most universities use the first 2 weeks for small introductory projects. Also, consider that many degrees only have a few lectures each week, so you haven't missed much. One week might even be Freshers' Week, a period during which many students are still adjusting and dealing with the holiday spirit.

Reflect on whether missing these weeks is the only problem in your life. There might be underlying confidence issues or other factors at play. Talk to the head of your department for your degree to get a plan together to catch up on the most important aspects you've missed. Consider speaking with a professional counselor or a trusted friend to understand what is really bothering you.

Step 4: Explore Your Options

Consider the workload and whether you can work extra hard to catch up. If you are struggling to manage the extra time and effort, you might need to withdraw and maintain your acceptance to the school for the next semester.

In my experience, advising students who missed two weeks, I found that they often had to play catch-up for a while. However, with determination and support, it is possible to overcome this challenge. In one case, a student added a class after missing two weeks and earned an A- by working very hard. I too took a two-week break in the middle of a semester to travel to Italy and still managed to earn top grades in all my classes.

If you have a fairly easy schedule, talk to your professors about catching up. If you are not willing to put in the extra time and effort immediately, you should consider withdrawing and maintaining your acceptance to the school for the next semester.

Take action now!