S U M M E R C O U R S E S

5 THINGS ABOUT SUMMER COURSES

This summer, I am “lucky” enough to be enrolled in two summer courses, so I can keep up my degree for the fall semester. This summer’s courses are just about halfway through, I’ll be taking my midterm tomorrow for one of my courses! That’s always exciting because these courses provide the LONGEST six weeks of any college student’s life, EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. This is the second summer in a row that I have taken summer classes, and through my experiences, I’d like to share a few moments that any college student will be able to relate to, and also maybe give some insight into what summer classes are like, for those considering them.

1.   

            .The first day is ALWAYS the worst.

YES, it is actually true, the first day is the absolute worst day of the entire semester. You know why? Because you finished your exams the week before and now all your friends are at the beach and you are in class still. Also, with a short six week semester your professor sees it absolutely necessary to begin class that very day. Of course there is that whole, “now I’ve got to talk to my classmates so I don’t seem like the grumpiest asshole here” thing too, because while none of you really want to be there, you don’t REALLY want to be the one who shows it.

2.     

              It works out to be the longest hour and a half of class… ever.

Again the six week semester leaves your professor feeling like they’ve got to squeeze EVERY minute of class with information. You’ll learn more (most likely useless) knowledge in an hour and a half than you would in a whole week during the normal semester. It will in fact get to a point where your professor is only breathing between every tenth word, that’s how you know you’re really learning. At this moment, you will be looking at the clock, wondering when the last time someone changed the batteries in it was, BECAUSE THE HANDS AREN’T MOVING FAST ENOUGH. The immense number of facts and figures coupled with the fact that its 80 and sunny outside, is enough in itself to stop time completely, but somehow your professor won’t stop talking.

3.      

      Your professor will be WILDLY passionate about your class.

I’ve rarely had a professor who was teaching something they didn’t like- but let’s be realistic here, they are humans too, and if they are passing up their own summer break to teach YOU, then they love what they are talking about. This is actually one of the best parts about a summer course, you’ll get a professor who wants you to know about what they are teaching, and that means they are more likely to be helpful and knowledgeable, and I mean if you’re paying tuition, you 100% want a professor who cares about your class.

4.      

      Gen Ed’s are best over the summer.

I mean unless you LIKE wasting your time doing meaningless homework assignments for 13 weeks when you probably should be studying for your major courses, then you’ll understand that a 6 week general education course is much more manageable. Especially because most gen ed courses make you want to tear your hair out because of the menial busy work, and useless knowledge delivered to you, doing that for 6 instead of 13 weeks, you’ll end the semester with a lot more hair left on your head.

5.      

      ALWAYS take an online class over the summer.

You know what’s easier than a 6 week general education class? ONE THAT YOU CAN TAKE FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR COUCH AT HOME. That’s right, online classes people. Taking a class online is easy, and allows you to do a multitude of things during your day without having to go to campus to take class. You can find the silliest classes too, and they somehow fill requirements for graduation. This summer I am taking an online music course, who would have thought that it was even an option? Regardless it means I don’t have to actually learn how to play an instrument or learn some other art skill, but still fills my art requirement… I’LL TAKE IT THANKS.

So summer classes are a prefect mix of good and bad, they aren’t for everyone, but sometimes they just make sense. Often they help students graduate on time, which is always a plus! While I am definitely hopeful that this will be my last summer of summer courses, I'll just have to wait and see, they aren't ALL bad, so I guess if I have to, then I can manage. I hope you’ve enjoyed!

                                                                                                                                                                Cheers!! xoxo