college summer break goals
Start writing a post
Summer

5 Summer Break Goals To Complete Before August Hits

I needed a reminder too.

63
college students summer break

For most college students, summer break is drastically different than the summers we enjoyed in high school. The summers become more frantic; trying to have fun while responsibilities loom overhead. Once July hits, it feels like a fast track to the first day of classes and there's almost no time left to prepare for another stressful semester. The items to check off the to-do list seem daunting and seemingly easy things to do slip through the cracks.

To make this summer a little easier, here's a small reminder of the most obvious but sometimes overlooked tasks to get done today.

1. Check the status of your fall class schedule

A lot of people think that once they put their schedule together in April that it's set in stone for fall. Wrong. Schedules can change, classes can disappear, and you'll be left scrambling to figure out what you're doing come August. It only takes a couple minutes to log into your student account and look over your schedule again. Doing it now gives you plenty of time to get in touch with a professor or adviser if you notice something is off. In addition, it gives you an idea of what your workload might look like, what textbooks you'll need, and how you'll plan the rest of your time (work, extracurriculars) around it.

Oh, and a chance to look up those teachers you're unsure of on RateMyProfessor.

2. Figure out how you're paying for those classes

College is draining in more ways than one; paying back those student loans is a fear for many of us. In order to keep yourself from getting overwhelmed, take a look at your financial statements through your student account. Be aware of when your next bill is coming, how much it is, and how you're going to pay it.

Nobody wants an unexpected bill in the mail asking you to pay a third of your tuition.

3. Get to know your roommates

I made the mistake of getting to know my roommate last year a little late and doing so makes a huge difference in how the living situation goes. If you already know your roommate(s), great. If you don't, get in touch with them now to feel out the vibe of someone you're going to spend the next year with. Making friends with your roommates makes living in a small dorm suffer-able and the process of moving in a lot easier.

Trust me, figuring out who is bringing what makes that pre-semester shopping less of a headache.

4. Apply for on-campus jobs now

If you're someone in need of a job while in school, take advantage of the time you have now to scope out some possible positions. Most schools have an online network of job listings to sort through. Get your applications in now to give yourself plenty of time to seek out all the opportunities.

Finding a job certainly isn't easy (and probably the most painstaking process known to man) but getting a head start and potentially lining up a position eliminates a lot of stress.

5. Decide what you're packing and leaving at home

Packing and unpacking my room twice a year is my least favorite thing in the entire world. But it has to get done. When I came home for summer, I left a few boxes packed full of things that I know I won't need again until I head back to school and have been throwing some other items in every once in a while. It's a helpful strategy, as it makes packing a little less overwhelming.

A bit of advice: you don't need every item of clothing in your closet to go with you. It only takes up more space and you know you're never going to wear it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

54076
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34803
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957179
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

182215
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments