Many college students opt out of summer courses and choose a variety of ways to spend their summer break outside of campus life. For those who live in other cities, they return home to friends, families, and summer holidays. For those living near their campuses, they take on summer jobs, volunteer organizations, or if they’re lucky a break from everything to relax and prepare for the coming fall semester.
One of the problems that many face is the same problem faced in grade school, coming back from a long time away from classes and shaking off the mental rust that develops through educational stagnation. Here are some tips to keep you sharp, focused, and ready to keep chasing that degree come August.
1. Work in a field that aligns with your major. Even if it’s a small part time summer job, work in a field that will help you advance in your career. Get a small internship if possible, or create your own by doing freelance work if possible.
2. Take some time a few days a week to continue to study. If you weren’t able to return or sell textbooks, crack them open and do some of the work in them, even if you did it before. Use a variety of websites online to give yourself practice exams so that you’re ready to go for that first quiz.
3. Hang out with people that are in your major. You’ve probably made friends in your classes, seeing as you see the same people on a very regular basis if you’re in the same major, so get together sometime at a local coffee shop or chill out bar and talk about topics concerning your major. Start putting together a strategy or study group to be ready for the semester so you can all hit the ground running. 
4. Take a field trip to campus. If you live near your campus, take a day to get acclimated for the new semester. Take a self-guided tour to find out where your classes are located. Get your books and supplies early. If you’re lucky, you might even find one of your professors and get to know them before classes resume, giving you a leg up over your fellow classmates.
5. Speaking of field trips, take some to places that involve your major. You can tour many facilities and venues around the city for little to no cost, and you can learn firsthand what kind of behind-the-scenes details accompany your major. You can also learn about how various majors come together in a multi-faceted environment, such as a sports stadium or a theater district.
6. Tour other schools or visit other possible career cities. If you’re considering grad school, this is a perfect opportunity to see what other colleges have to offer. If you’re looking at moving to another city to better your career, this is an excellent time to visit, take in the culture, and see if they live up to your expectations.
7. Volunteer. Find some awesome community organizations that you can donate your free time to. Volunteering looks great on a resume, even if it doesn’t involve your major. It shows employers that you care about other people and use time constructively, and you’ll feel great about what you’ve done for your local community.
8. Allow time for some personal reflection. Find a secluded place, put away your electronic devices, and really take some time to commune with your inner self. Be at peace with your life choices. Step back and be proud of your accomplishments. Meditate and think about your position in life, and use that to mentally and emotionally prepare for the next step in your journey.
9. Prepare early. Take advantage of summer sales and get all your clothes, books, dorm/apartment supplies, and anything else you might need ready to go so that you’re not rushing at the beginning of the semester. The last thing you want to be doing during syllabus week is standing in line at a bookstore or a Walmart with a horde of your classmates grabbing those supplies you should’ve gotten in July.
10. Be optimistic. It’s important not to let anything get you down in preparing for the coming semester. Do everything that you can to give yourself a positive attitude for your fresh start in fall. Even if you had lackluster grades to end spring, or if you’re in a tough situation such as academic probation, have faith and confidence that this semester, it will all change.
