So, you're at UF for the summer? Everyone is enjoying sunshine and summer time and you're in your dorm reading your syllabuses for your classes this summer semester. Well, it isn't impossible to have fun this summer while still doing well in school.
Here's what you need to know about surviving this summer:
1) Summer semester classes are much different than fall and spring classes
During the summer semesters at UF, most classes run Monday to Friday for an hour and 15 minutes versus the typical Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday and Thursday 50-minute classes. This comes with both pros and cons. No one wants to take classes Monday through Friday at a set time, that is SO "high school." However, receiving instruction for an extended amount of time every day versus two or three days a week really helps students to get familiarized with the current class material. Take advantage of this in class instruction, it some of the most thorough you will receive for the entire academic year!
2) Time management can be your friend or your worst enemy, it is totally up to you.
This is your typical break period and every student is accustomed to having a relaxing vacation during this time. Take advantage of weekends. Set aside time for yourself. Go home, spend time with friends and family. Don't think of this summer as a slave semester for you. It is what you make of it. Most students it to be helpful to pick out one day of the week to focus on each class. For example, if you are taking psychology Monday through Friday, pick Thursday as your day to study psychology outside of class. Do this for each of your classes and you will find yourself better versed in the material and less stressed as you do not procrastinate.
3) Ask for help.
Summer semesters are known to be a tad more difficult than fall and spring semesters because they are so short. Summer A and Summer B are an average of six weeks. The classes offered during those semesters are typically offered in the fall and spring for 15 weeks, which can make the material seem overwhelming and hard to manage. If you attend class and get to know your professor or TA, you will find it easy to overcome issues with difficult class material. The university's professors and teacher's assistants are here to help you especially during these short semesters.
4) Schedule, schedule, schedule!
It is very important for you to keep a running schedule or calendar. This way you can keep track of assignments, quizzes and tests! At the beginning of the semester, take your syllabuses and log their information on to a universal calendar. This is going to make you organized academically as well as make it easy to plan fun summer activities like trips to home or the beach and lunch dates with friends.
