If your school is anything like mine, you have a lot of summer homework. And I don’t mean having to read two books instead of one. I mean each class has its own separate packet of work. Three books. Three work packets. Five oral reports. Two essays. Two chapters of notes. And a test the first day of school. This is less than what had to do last year.

If you are anything like I was freshman year you waited, procrastinated, and waited more. Right now you may be in a bit of a rush to get it done as school is fast approaching. Here are some ways to avoid being in the same situation next year.

1. Start Asap.

If you have books to read, do that first at the beginning of the summer. It is easy and the sense of accomplishment you will get from completing them will make you more motivated to do the rest. Start the books during the first week of summer.

2. Don't take a week long break

The whole summer is a break. If you really spread out the work it is less than what you do during the school year and you are still getting a break. If you take the first month of summer to relax, after school gets out, you will lose your momentum and it will be harder to start.

2. Make Deadlines

Plan your homework around events during the summer. Have one thing done by the 4^th of July. Have another done before you go on vacation. Have another done before august starts. That way if you do find yourself doing homework at the tail end of the summer, it won’t be that much.

3. Make the Deadlines Strict

If you plan the deadline but then say “it doesn’t really matter, because It’s not the real deadline, anyway” you will never get things done. Treat the deadline like it is law.

4. Utilise Travel

If you are going to be laying on a beach during the summer, bring your book. If you are going to be on a plane for hours, bring your homework.

5. Listen to your books

Sometimes listening to audiobooks rather than reading a physical book can help get it done quicker. You can “read” while you do other things (cleaning, working out, etc).

6. Work with a friend

I find work sessions with friends to be less productive than solo ones. However, it you set a time and place to work with a friend, you won't go back on it. Where as a solo work session may just be put off forever. A less productive work session is better than on that never happened.

7. Work in chunks

I set a timer for 30 minutes. During that time I have to work. I can’t check my phone. I can’t get up. I can’t do anything, but work. That way I know I will be able to do the above things soon, but I don’t stop my momentum.

If you use these tips, plus some of the knowledge you acquire over the years, summer homework should be a breeze!