Summer’s almost here and while it’s tempting to put your brain on autopilot and just relax, it’s time to rethink the “lazy, hazy, days of summer” mindset. Students should keep learning, even during the summer break.

While this is hard to believe in the midst of writing papers and cramming for exams, soon University of Saskatchewan students will be free from the confines of class schedules and assignment due dates.

There are a number of practical reasons why summer is the perfect time to continue learning: it’s a great opportunity to get ahead on your degree and by taking more classes during the summer, students could even finish their degree a year sooner than expected. You may also be able to fulfill any prerequisites you need for courses in the fall or to redo a class that you underperformed in.

Summer classes offer unique learning opportunities that are different from the regular school year. Summer courses are taken over a shorter period of time, meaning that you absorb information more quickly than usual. There’s also less time between the start of the class and the final exam, which means less time to forget things.

Students usually take fewer classes in the summer as well, so their attention is less spread out. Students who seek a more one-on-one experience in an intimate atmosphere are in luck as well, as class sizes for these courses tend to be much smaller.

Sometimes summer classes are more interesting or creative than regular ones. Some are physical, like Drama 236: Stage Combat. Other classes — like the newly created History 298: Human Rights in History course — offer travel opportunities, giving students the chance to visit the new Canadian Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg. Because students are not confined by regular schedules, there is more freedom in the types of classes that are available.

Of course, there are more than just practical benefits to summer learning. Education is also good for your mental and physical well-being. Learning new things keeps your mind engaged and prevents summer boredom from settling in. In a social sense, classes are also a great way to make new friends and meet people that share similar interests.

While taking summer courses through the U of S is the most conventional way to continue your education during the break, it’s not the only option. There are tons of other classes and courses being offered all over the city. Summer is the perfect time to try your hand at new kinds of exercise, like swing dancing or kickboxing. The Physical Activity Complex on campus has a range of fitness classes, all free to U of S students.

The Saskatoon Public Library also holds different workshops throughout the year. Students can participate in book clubs, brush up on their tech skills and workshop original pieces of writing. All of these programs are free of charge and are offered at libraries throughout the city.

Speaking of the library, remember books? Those things that you’re forced to read for classes all year  and then refuse to touch for fun? Maybe it’s time to pick up a book and just read. No taking notes, no exams, no required chapters. Just pick a book that interests you. If books aren’t your thing, try a newspaper, magazine or blog. Anything that gets you reading and learning new things.

Humans are constantly taking in information; it’s how we function. Why should this stop just because regular classes do?

This summer, take the time to get schooled, explore different learning opportunities and make the most of your brain, your body and your break.

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Graphic: Jeremy Britz