Summer is almost here and that means it’s time to take a break from your busy schedule… unless you have summer classes. Taking classes may not be how students want to spend their summer, but sometimes they are a necessity.
Check out some tips below for surviving summer classes.
Make your planner your best friend
Summer courses move along much quicker than regular semester courses, so be sure to plan out all of your assignments and tests in a calendar. If you have your entire summer semester of classes planned out with the days each assignment is due, you are less likely to forget about a deadline and miss turning in the assignment. Taking the time to plan out your summer will save you a headache later.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Professors may have different expectations for summer classes than they do for regular semester work, so if you have a question about the syllabus or about the course work, do not hesitate to ask the professor. Most of the time your question will also help other students in the course as well. Professors also appreciate that you took the time to clarify your confusion and participate in the learning process by asking questions.
Take some time for yourself
Just because you’re not on a real break doesn’t mean you can’t take some time to take care of yourself. If you are craving a day at the mall or if your best friend wants to have a beach day every now and then, do it without guilt. Your schoolwork is important, but you are important, too. Don’t look at summer school as a prison, but more of an opportunity to have fun and get some of your course load behind you. Know your limits and take breaks when needed.
Find new places to study
Sunny summer days are great, so don’t spend all of them inside. Take your homework with you and find an outdoor area to work. Maybe the sea is calling your name, or if you are not so fond of the beach, consider going to a park to get some fresh air. Bring your assignments with you and make the most out of the beautiful sunny days ahead.
Utilize the buddy system
Studying is more fun with your best friend. If your friends are taking the same course as you, try to plan times to get together and study before exams. Not only will this help you to better absorb the information, but you will also have an excuse to spend time with your friends over the summer. Sometimes your social life can be neglected because of hectic summer schedules, so find ways to merge your schoolwork and your social life when possible.
Avoid procrastinating
While schoolwork is not always what you want to be doing every day, avoid procrastinating on homework and projects. The summer semester is much shorter and the due dates can creep up on you, so try to stay ahead of schedule with your work. You never know when you may be invited to a spur-of-the-moment weekend trip or a beach day, so finish your schoolwork for the week early so that you’re still able to enjoy the summer.
