Most students, whether they’ve just graduate from high school or are between years of college, enjoy a school-free summer. Classes are done for the semester, and you have a few months to not worry about reading textbooks, writing papers, or studying for tests. However, for various reasons, some students take classes over summer break. That may not sound like much fun, but you can make it a positive experience by doing a few important things.

First, take a class that you find interesting. If you like Victorian literature, early American art, or computer programming, sign up for a class in it! It’ll be much easier to motivate yourself to do well in the class if you enjoy what you’re studying. Even if your college doesn’t offer a class that you’d like to take, see if you can take one at a nearby school and transfer the credits. It may require a little more paperwork, but it’ll be more enjoyable and you’ll do better, so it’ll be worth it.

Once you’ve chosen a class, you’ll have to choose when during the summer you’re going to take it. Many schools offer two sessions during the summer—one right after the spring semester ends, and one before the fall semester. Which is better totally depends on your preference. If you think that keeping up your academic momentum will help you, go for the first session. If you’d rather get yourself prepared to start back up again in the fall, sign up for the second. Another option that many students will have is to take a class online. With online classes, you’ll have more flexible scheduling options, and you may not have to go into a class at all. Look into all of the options that are available to you and see which suit you best.

After starting your class, it’s important to stay on top of your homework. If you’re not particularly motivated and you get behind, it’ll be really difficult to catch up (much harder than during the semester). It helps to remember that your class is only a few weeks long, instead of a full semester. You’ll have to make some sacrifices, like studying instead of going out or writing a paper instead of having a party, but you won’t have to sacrifice your entire social life, and it’s only for a short amount of time.

No matter what kind of class you sign up for, or when you take it, it’s certainly possible to make it a good experience. Stay on top of your homework, keep a positive attitude, maintain your motivation, and you’ll have a much better time—even if you’re only in the class because you have to.

As always, if you have any questions, comments or funny stories you'd like me to share about college or the blog, email me at stu@stuvu.com