He is leaving at noon tomorrow. After lunch, I am meeting a friend. We are going shopping. The present progressive may be used to express future time when the idea of the sentence concerns a planned event or definite intention. The future meaning is indicated by either future time words in the sentence or by the context.
Classes begin next week.
The simple present can indicate future if the sentence contains future time words such as tomorrow, next week, and in three years . I will begin to study at seven. You will come at eight. I will be studying when you come. Right now I am sitting in class.