You’re entitled to have fun during the summer semester

Kailey Krantz | Staff Writer

As the summer semester approaches, students need to find a way to balance a carefree summer while committing to their summer classes. With the proper planning, it can be easier than we think.  

Taking summer classes can accelerate your studies, keep you active during the summer and can quickly fill up degree requirements you wouldn’t have to worry about during the fall and spring semesters.

As students we depend on the summer season to be carefree, connect with friends and de-stress from finals.

However, I fear I have to lock myself inside this summer because I’m doing a full semester’s worth of classes instead of half-semester, I won’t be able to enjoy the break. 

The problem with taking summer classes is that it can be easy to be consumed by schoolwork and working day and night to complete the next assignment until you’ve outpaced the syllabus. 

You shouldn’t have to give up your summer just to complete these courses. There are ways to balance working on your classes and still have fun.

One of the things students can do to enjoy their summer while working on their classes is rest. Even though it can seem pointless to complete assignments early, it can free up a lot of time for the rest of the week. 

It’s important to rest so you can recharge your mental battery. Having an optimal mental battery is what helps us succeed in our assignments and it could be very easy to drain that power.  

Another thing you can do is organize your schedule so there’s room for you and your friends to get together and do something fun. 

It may seem difficult to pick out a date when all of your friends can get together for an activity or a day out, but the rewards of having a support system are more than worth it.

Having these social interactions outside of school can improve levels of stress and anxiety and is good for your mental well-being. Hanging out with your friends and family gives you the chance to vent about some of the stresses you’re dealing with in class and reminds you of the wonderful things life offers. 

Here are some ideas to get your summer going in the face of everything that goes on –

• Going to the beach
• Going to a movie theater
• Having a get-together at a friend’s house
• Meeting up at an ice cream shop

Going out with your friends gets you to step away from the computer screen and enjoy the company you have while being with them.

Students can also check out the Events Calendar for fun events on campus to do something outside of the classroom. 

Don’t let the assignment list stress you out this summer. Working on your classes while enjoying the summer isn’t as hard of a balancing act as you might think. 

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.