Many students opt out of taking summer courses at their college because of the time taken away from summer vacation and the tight deadlines.
Students who choose to forego their summer classes prefer to enjoy themselves while having fun in the water, spending time with friends and loved ones, or working and saving money.
Summer is short, and time off to enjoy a break from school stress should be taken advantage of.
Summer courses usually offered load up on the homework, and classes meet many times throughout the week, making it pretty difficult to fit work into one’s schedule. The same is especially true for recreational activities.
When I took summer courses in the past, I struggled to keep up with assignments and other things happening in my life. In addition, the professor kept strict restrictions on absences and attendance policies, putting a lot of pressure on my already hectic schedule.
Many students often share the notorious complaint of having their financial aid or work study privileges revoked for their summer schedules, which could mean that students are having to pay for college expenses out of pocket, which is definitely not cheap.
There is a limit to the number of units a student can enroll in during summer, which can prevent students from being able to really catch up with their credits.
Taking summer classes is not cost efficient, and take up a large portion of one’s schedule, it limit students to a low-unit intake, and most of all, students risk heat stroke having to commute to and from class in the intense Los Angeles summer heat. Need we say more?
Students should take advantage of fall and spring courses as much as they can, by taking units during longer semesters to maximize their schedules and avoid burn out.
Burn out happens to almost all students. This epidemic occurs when students collapse under their numerous responsibilities, especially schoolwork. Hardworking, dedicated students also need a vacation to spare themselves from this and return to their studies, well-rested and focused.
My advice to students thinking about taking classes over the summer? Don’t. Take the time off as an opportunity to work and save money, practice more self-care, and most importantly, breathe. We all need a little summer vacation.
