Are Summer Classes Right for You?
By Ashley Hagan
With next summer over a semester away, now may not seem like the right time to consider 2023’s summer schedule. However, fresh off your last summer break, there probably isn’t a better time. Each summer can be a chance to catch up, get ahead or take that class you enjoy but can’t fit into your schedule. With alternatives like internships, jobs and travel which you can look at or apply to now, it’s a good idea to get your plans in order sooner rather than later.
After taking two summer classes on top of a part-time job and an internship, I can say I’ve done some of everything. So what should you do?
Each summer can be a chance to catch up, get ahead or take that class you enjoy but can’t fit into your schedule. With alternatives like internships, jobs and travel which you can look at or apply to now, it’s a good idea to get your plans in order sooner rather than later.
3 Reasons to Take Summer Classes
1. You need to.
In the Honors College, the first-year curriculum can be a setback for people wanting to add a minor or another major to a packed course load. General education classes, in particular, can drain time and energy during the semester without being relevant to one’s major or minor. This makes them ideal for the summer as you’re not rushing any core concepts that will come back to haunt you next semester.
Additionally, students with part-time jobs like myself may find it a headache to maneuver around prerequisites that only ever seem to be held on work days. What do you do, then? Take it asynchronously over the summer, like I did with Genetics.
2. You want to.
During the semester, “fun” classes sometimes get set aside in favor of more practical ones. The summer is a time to explore that – once you graduate, you will not have these quickly available opportunities again.
Ever wanted to do a writing workshop? A niche art or music class? A history or social sciences class? A mind-bending math or science class? Another subject you’re passionate about? Use the summer for it.
The summer’s also a great time to take a class if you know you’ll get a specific professor. Sometimes different professors for the same subject can focus on various subtopics – like plant cells versus animal cells or screenwriting versus playwriting.
3. You’re trying to get ahead.
Maybe you’re a go-getter or want to graduate early. Or sometimes, the fear of falling behind can be daunting enough that you do a couple extra classes. If you start out as a freshman in the Honors College, you need nine credits of courses of intention. The summer is a great time to complete your Courses of Intention or make room for them in the spring or fall.
3 Reasons to Pass on Summer Classes
1. You can do an internship or job instead.
Instead of paying money to a university, the summer is a great time to make money. You have more time and flexibility than holding down a job on top of a busy semester, so you can work in your field and gain valuable experience outside the classroom. Alternatively, you have a chance to pay off some tuition with a well-paying job outside your career path. Either way, you can show future employers that you’re hardworking and capable.
Another option is traveling or doing some sort of study abroad. In that case, summer classes are off the table unless your options are asynchronous or you’re willing to take time out of an immersive experience.
2. You can’t afford them.
Depending on the number of credits you take, fees during the summer may be higher and students who stay in the dorms tend not to live near campus. This combination may make summer classes simply not feasible – so don’t force it. If you can’t stay on campus, you can still try to take asynchronous options.
3. You’re burnt out.
When was the last time you turned your brain off? Summers are some of the only times students can get a dedicated self-care break. As we learn in HONR 150: Flourishing, we must prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. That especially applies to the summer, when condensed classes become more intense.
Whatever your reason, summer classes can be rewarding or necessary and considering them ahead of time can make your life easier. Ultimately, the decision is up to you to do what feels appropriate for your future. So take a deep breath and when you choose your spring courses, do it with this in mind.
Photo by Michael Bußmann from Pixabay