To the College Students Stuck in Summer Classes

It's almost halfway over.

Originally published on July 10, 2017

If I had to guess, hearing the words “summer class” fill you with somewhat negative emotions. Hey. I get it. No one wants to be stuck inside when it’s this nice out, right? I’m currently in only one class, once a week, at night. I couldn’t imagine doing a class, or even multiple classes, during the day, several times a week.

There are three reasons why you would be in a summer class, and I think they are all good reasons.

The first is you need to retake a class you have previously failed. Second chances are great. This time around, you will already know some of the material. Maybe it was the professor who was the problem, and the summer instructor will be better suited to your learning needs. At any rate, only having to focus on one class should give you the passing grade you need to get your college goals back on track.

The second is my situation, you want to take a core or major class to get ahead. I even did this is high school so I could get classes I wanted during the year. If you have the money for it, I highly recommend this. 3 credits could go a long way. Maybe you find you will need a little wiggle room in a semester down the road. Maybe you’re getting that dreaded history or math class over with. Or maybe you want to free up space for another elective. Whatever your reason, it will be worth it.

The third is what many of the people in my class (about graphic design) are doing: wanting to learn something new. College is of course the prime time to add in something new. The possibilities are as varied as your college’s summer curriculum provides. While there may not be underwater basket weaving, you could find a little gem somewhere that give you some untapped inspiration or something to look forward to every day or week.

(It’s about halfway over, if that’s any consolation.)

For me, the hardest part about the summer class is getting into the mindset of a class. Taking notes feels natural when the setting around you feels like “school time”, but a little odd while wearing summer clothes. Having to plan out time after a full day of work to go in and do my homework is very strange, as is actually doing research for things.

But I say, enjoy this! As much as doing homework feels weird, it’s nice to only have to worry about one thing, academically. I make my lists and plan my homework schedule and get everything done like usual. It’s kind of nice.

I hope you’ve learned something this summer. You’ll be missing this once the fall semester rolls around.