Summer classes are an effective way to rack up some extra credits, but they often consist of dense course loads and long lectures. Despite this burden, University of Saskatchewan students can find many ways to accommodate a leisurely summer alongside their academic obligations with a little help from the Sheaf.

Students are often unmotivated to take summer classes due to the combination of warm weather and the lingering burnout that they face in the aftermath of the second semester. Such a combination prompts many students to simply drop out or slack off in regards to their attendance and assignments.

However, with higher temperatures and longer days, summertime can be seized as an opportunity for students to change up their work setting and get into the groove of a different routine. Although the idea of having to attend class every weekday for the next few weeks might seem dreadful, your class schedule can help establish a routine that you can use to your advantage.

For aspiring early birds, taking a morning class will give you a head-start to your day. Rather than sleeping in, your morning class will be over by the time you would regularly wake up — this frees up your daily schedule for studying while also leaving room for fun activities such as ice cream dates at Homestead Ice Cream or trips to the Farmers’ Market.

On the contrary, individuals who thrive in the nightlife would benefit from taking a mid-to-late afternoon class. This leaves both your evenings and mornings free — ideal for those who stay out and wake up late. From the rooftop patio at the Yard and Flagon to festivals such as the Fringe, you can strike a balance by reserving some weekday nights for leisure and others for work.

For students looking for flexibility in their schedule, taking a class online could be a good alternative. Online classes let students to work at their own pace through their own means of Internet access, which allows for travel plans. Whether you choose to get ahead of the course content or to work on the material during your getaway, online classes are the best option for those who plan on travelling.

It’s important to allocate time for both school and play, but it’s even more important to make sure that you stay on top of your deadlines. Summer classes are fast-paced and it’s easy to fall behind when you don’t stick to your schedule. Like a domino effect, leaving work unattended leads to stress piling up rapidly. By keeping up with deadlines, you can set aside more time to hang out with friends and enjoy the warm weather.

One of the key differences between summer classes and classes during the academic year is the course load. Summer courses condense their content into a few weeks, as opposed to being spread over several months. Although the workload is inevitable, there are ways to make studying more enjoyable.

Sunshine and high temperatures mean that the outdoors can provide a viable study space. On campus, study spots such as the Bowl, the patio at Louis’ or a simple park bench are locations that are arguably more preferable than the fluorescent lights and stiff chairs of Murray Library.

Nice weather also permits more diverse forms of transportation. Walking or biking, for example, are great ways to sneak in some exercise to and from class. Not only will you get your daily dose of vitamin D, but studies suggest that as little as five minutes of moderate daily exercise is proven to reduce stress levels while keeping cognitive functions sharp.

Weather-wise, the first and second semesters during the academic year are predominantly chilly, icy and windy. The most minor changes to your day-to-day routine on campus, like a temperature change, can make you feel more satisfied with your day.

Rather than ordering your double-double from Tim Hortons, you can enjoy an iced cappuccino in the sunlight without the fear of freezing off your hands while walking to class. From watching the trees grow from barren to lush or switching your winter boots for sandals, your summer won’t be a bummer on campus. Remember, even though you may be in summer classes, you can still have fun along the way!

—

Jessica Quan

Graphic: Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor