Although most students take time off during the summer, there’s often an option to continue taking classes. This can be a great opportunity to gain the additional credit you need to graduate, but it does mean you will need to sacrifice some (or all) of your summer break. To decide if this is the right option for you, consider the following pros and cons.
Pro: Summer Classes Tend to Be Short
You’re often able to achieve credit for a summer class in a shorter amount of time than it would take you to complete the class during a normal semester. At most universities, summer classes run from four to six weeks, although they can be as short as two weeks and as long as 10 weeks.
Con: You’ll Lose Some of Your Summer
The main disadvantage of taking summer classes is that you’ll lose out on at least some of your summer break. If the class is only two weeks, this is less of a big deal. However, if it lasts for most of the summer, you’ll miss out on the chance to rest and recuperate, which you may need to prevent burnout. Taking summer classes can also mean you’re unable to pursue other opportunities, like internships, seasonal work, and travel.
Pro: Graduate Earlier
If you’ve fallen behind, such as because you needed to drop a class or you were unable to study full time, summer classes can help you catch up. This will mean you’ll graduate sooner without needing to take more classes than you feel you can handle next semester. It’s always useful to graduate as early as possible and start searching for a full-time job in your field, as you’ll start earning an income to improve your living situation and start paying off student loans that much sooner.
Con: Your Scholarship May Not Cover the Costs
It’s common to need to pay for summer classes yourself, even if you’re using a scholarship to cover the costs of your education, which can be expensive. One possibility is to look for a cheaper option to earn credit, such as at a nearby college. Just be sure to confirm with your university that the credit is transferable.
Pro: Finish Less Interesting Classes
Summer is a particularly good time to take general education classes that don’t relate to your major. You’ll be able to complete the classes in a shorter amount of time to avoid spending an entire semester on material you don’t find interesting.
Con: The Intensity Can Be Too High
You need to be prepared to focus on a single class for several hours a day. If you struggle to learn this way, you may find it overwhelming, especially if you find it hard to connect with the material.
If you decide that taking summer classes is the right choice for you, the next step is to find off-campus housing, since dorms are unlikely to be available. For Queens University student housing, you have Foundry Princess. With a rooftop patio and outdoor swimming pool, it’s the perfect place to spend the summer. Book a tour to see the suites and facilities.
