For many people, summer is a time to relax and watch Netflix. Therefore, summer school seems like the ultimate nightmare; who wants to spend their summer in a deserted college town? Well, after a lot of thought I decided I did! Keep in mind I am an overachiever, but I’m here to tell you a few truths about my experience. The good, the bad, and everything in between.
1. You will most likely have Fridays off.
Imagine having a long weekend every weekend? You probably will! Most summer classes are scheduled on a Monday-Thursday time frame. Which means you will have plenty of time to go on weekend trips to Canada, NYC or anywhere within a 10 hour drive. You will not miss out on the fun!
2. You can study outside.
Remember how in high school it was basically the best thing ever when a teacher held a class outside? Apply that to college by taking your reading, homework, or group meetings to the quad whenever you get a chance. Your tan won’t suffer and you’ll still get the sense that you’re enjoying the sunny season.
3. Take only one hard class.
It’s nice to be able to cross that one super hard econ class out, but don’t fool yourself into thinking you can take all your tough classes over the summer. Although you will not have a super busy social life, since campus is fairly unpopulated at this time of the year, you are on a very tight deadline for all your assignments. Choose your classes wisely!
4. Get the classes you want.
On that note, summer is the perfect time to take that awesome elective class that everyone wants to take. It’s difficult to fight over the most awesome class on campus with thousands of other students, but since many of them will be off someplace else, you are likely to find a free spot when registering.
5. Better grades.
To be honest, this is not true for everyone. However, it is a lot easier to find time to study when you only have to choose between two parties instead of five. Of course you will still have to apply yourself and go to class, but you will have to say “no” to fewer parties.
6. You won’t miss your college town.
The first week back home is always the hardest. We miss all our friends, the parties, not having to make our own breakfast, delivery options way after midnight… The beauty of summer school is that although you will miss your friends, since everyone is out doing their own thing, you will still get to order Insomnia at 1 a.m. and go to the occasional college party (without having to face that high school ex).
7. Easier transition into fall.
Most people forget how it feels to be a college student and even how to manage their time between work and play. By taking classes all summer you will transition into the semester chaos effortlessly, and will have no problem writing that 10 page essay.
8. Meet people you would otherwise never meet.
Although our campus isn’t the biggest one out there, there are a ton of people you will likely never meet unless you take summer classes. During the summer you will take classes with people who you might’ve never crossed paths with. Plus, you might even meet that cute guy you’ve always had your eye on.
9. Tons of freshman.
This is probably one of the cons of staying on campus. Thanks to Summer Start there will be tons of freshmen who just arrived and think they own the school. You will see them sneaking out of their dorms to go to parties, trying to get into empty clubs… Just be thankful you are over that phase and that your schedule doesn't involve a curfew.
10. Staying fit is harder.
We all want that summer body, but it’s hard to lose the Freshman 15 while in college. Being home does make it simple to diet and go to the gym everyday since your parents cook and you will do anything to get out of the house. Therefore, if you choose to stay on campus, try to schedule some time to go to the gym and stay away from those cookies at the dining hall. Maybe you will even be able to keep your healthy habits throughout the semester!
11. Classes are long, deadlines are tight.
Our boring classes can leave us wanting to jump out of a window in less than an hour. Now imagine having a three-hour lecture! That’s what you are in for if you stay for the summer. Classes take forever to end and you will probably be on a super tight schedule, so your first paper will most likely be due in a week.
12. Every party will be an open-invitation.
Don’t worry, there will be plenty of parties to go to. With fewer people on-campus, every party will be open to everyone! The atmosphere is more laid back, which can lead increased day drinking, but don’t forget you still have to keep that GPA sky-high.
13. Save money.
Summer classes are paid for on a per-credit basis which is actually cheaper than paying full tuition. Therefore, if you manage to cross-off a whole semester and graduate early, you will actually be saving money. It is also helpful to plan to study abroad or go on a summer long road trip later down the line.
