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Falling Behind in Class? 5 Ways to Get Back on Track
Even the most dedicated students can fall behind. Maybe life got busy. Maybe the material didn’t click. Whatever the reason, hitting a rough patch in class doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means it’s time to reset. Here’s how to renew your motivation and move forward with confidence.
1. Talk to Your Instructor Early
It might feel intimidating, but reaching out to your instructor is one of the best things you can do. Most professors appreciate honesty and effort, and they want to see you succeed. Ask about office hours or schedule a time to talk through your challenges. You might discover resources, extensions, or advice you didn’t even know were available.
2. Tap into Tutoring Resources
There’s absolutely no shame in asking for help. In fact, it shows you’re serious about learning. At Friends University, the Academic Resource Center (ARC) offers free tutoring in the Edmund Stanley Library. Many tutors are students who’ve taken the same classes and remember exactly how it felt to struggle with them. Their experience can make a big difference.
3. Form or Join a Study Group
Learning with others can bring new perspectives and help reinforce key concepts. Whether you meet in person or online, study groups allow for active discussion, shared notes, and built-in accountability. You’ll be surprised how much more you retain when you’re talking through material instead of just reading it.
4. Refresh Your Study Strategies
If what you’re doing isn’t working, it might be time to try something new. Science-backed techniques like spaced repetition and active recall can make your study time more effective. Use flashcards, teach the concept aloud (try the Feynman Technique), and revisit notes at gradually increasing intervals to lock in learning. Check out our blog on Science-Based Study Habits for more ideas.
5. Don’t Skip Self-Care
Your mind learns best when your body is cared for. Prioritize sleep, healthy meals, movement, and downtime. Stress can cloud thinking and make everything feel harder. Practices like journaling, walking, or mindful breathing can ease that mental fog. Explore more in Health & Wellness for the College Student.
Progress Takes Time, and That’s OK
As Frederick Douglass once said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Feeling behind doesn’t mean you’re not smart or capable. It means you’re human and learning. Each challenge you overcome builds resilience and momentum.
Support Is Just a Step Away
Whether you’re in your first semester or nearing the finish line, Friends University is here to support you. Reach out to your success coach, explore tutoring options, and remember: you don’t have to do this alone.