Taking summer classes is no walk in the park, so as some of us find ourselves in summer school (whether it be for the purpose of getting ahead in our studies, catching up a missed or failed class, or just for some scholarly fun), we might also be finding ourselves in need a little guidance to help ease our course(s).
Prep
If you’re retaking a class, you might want to consider reviewing old notes. Your course won’t be exactly the same, but it will have a lot of overlap and similarities. Your old notes and tests will serve as a helpful study tool.
Support
Talk to your friends and family about your summer studies. Make sure they support what you’re doing, and therefore understand the importance of what you’re working towards. There will come a time when you’ll have to pick between your homework due the next day or a more electrifying event.
Understand
Understand that summer school will be quick paced and jam-packed with loads of information. Understand that it will begin early and go late. Understand that being late or missing a day puts you at risk for falling behind—which will be hard to mend.
Take Care of Yourself
As important as it is to make time to relax, it’s even more important to make sure you eat! Everyone knows that a balanced breakfast is the most important part of the day, but what needs to be stressed even more is making sure that if you know you’ll be going to class late, with little or no breaks, make sure you pack a lunch! You will be miserable and your work will suffer if you don’t feed yourself. And don’t forget that dehydration will affect your concentration, memory, and will make you moody.
Reward Yourself
Small rewards can be great tool to keep your drive going, but what will really keep you motivated is planning something big to look forward to once school is over. It’s hard to watch other people relaxing and vacationing while you’re stuck bent over your books so think of something that you really want to do, and find a way to make it work!
Make Friends
Usually, summer school comprised of small classes. Making friends will make all the difference in the world. Making friends will make things feel less drawn out and therefore go faster. This is especially important if you’re taking a class in which involves collaboration or creativeness. If you know your class is going to encompass these elements, try to learn everyone’s name on day one.
Participate
Force yourself to participate whether it counts for your grade or not. Being engaged will keep you alert and help you to think more critically about the information being covered as applying the information helps you better understand it.
Study Outside
If you’re sick of being stuck in a classroom, followed by going home to study, then maybe you should step outside and enjoy the warm air. Try grabbing some ice cream to help soak in the sun.
Rest
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. It can be tempting to stay up late with your buddies, but sleep deprivation can have a huge impact on your performance at school.
Be Reasonable
Be honest with yourself about what you can handle. Summer classes are 15-17 weeks of material crammed into 6-8 weeks. In other words, one class is going to be hard enough so don’t try more than two at a time even if your university allows for more.
Consider Online Learning
If you’re someone who considers sleeping in a priority, flourishes studying on your own and manages time well, then online learning might be a possibility for you. Aside from sleeping in, there are many other benefits to an online environment such as being able to choose when you study, planning it around things that excite you, or being able to work while on vacation.Summer classes will keep you on your toes and although it might seem unbearable, succeeding at them is completely possible! You just have to make sensible decisions.
