Going to college in Miami, Florida may certainly have its temptations of not studying during the summer months. With all of the attractions like Miami Beach, Key West, Walt Disney World, and the multi-cultural fusion of art and food, it may be quite tempting to take the summer off and enjoy all of what South Florida has to offer. You are certainly most entitled to do so! After all, you’ve worked hard during the fall and spring semesters, and summer is associated with taking time off from studying.
As a college student, it’s important to consider all of your options. While you could very well take a break from all of the academic responsibilities during the summer months, think of what the benefits of going to school during the summer might be. For some college students, this may be unthinkable, but you owe it to yourself to consider what you can get out of enrolling in summer college courses.
A Perfect Way to Get Used to College Life
Going to college for the first time can be a little intimidating for some first-time college students. Attending college during the summer term might be an easier transition because oftentimes, summer classes tend to be a bit smaller in numbers. This is because most students opt to take a summer break, but you don’t have to and here’s why: New college students can ease in to college life by enrolling in the summer because the campus might not be as busy this time of the year.
With fewer students on campus, first-time students might feel more comfortable navigating from class to class, or even campuses, if called for. They might also feel more at ease asking their professors questions that they may not otherwise have asked in a full-sized classroom. By the time the fall term rolls around, new college students can be comfortably familiar with the school campus.
Earn Your College Degree Faster
In a perfect world, college students can enroll in a set number of credit hours every semester and graduate without any obstacles. The reality is, sometimes, you might have to take a semester off to tend to personal issues. Other times, you may only be able to take on a part-time load of courses. This all can make your total accumulated credit hours fluctuate, and this may result in needing only one class to graduate for your last semester!
Had you taken that course during the summer months, you would have completed your degree program earlier by an entire semester!
Taking time to study in the summer may not seem beneficial during the earlier part of your college career, but it’s definitely worth the time when it comes down to graduating.
Furthermore, studying in the summer means that you’re adding an “extra” year of studies.
Most colleges and universities offer two intensive terms during the summer. That means you could decrease the amount of years you spend in college. If you choose to take the course that you had planned to take for the fall during the summer months, you will have accumulated the same amount of credit hours in a shorter period of time, and as a result, still have the fall semester to take more courses that will go toward your required credit hours.
Keeping Up the Momentum
For some students, it may take a little bit of an adjustment to get used to college life again. It is possible for students to take a summer break and not have the desire to return to college. While taking a break from academic studies can be rewarding, it may also be distracting for some students. Enrolling in summer classes may help keep up the momentum of staying focused on college studies.
Get to Know the Campus, Staff and Administrators Better
University campuses are always busy, but in the summer months, most college campuses tend to be a little quieter sometimes. Schools with sports activities might be a little busier in the summer depending on the type of sports that are offered. Take the opportunity to tour the campus during some of the sports practices without feeling overwhelmed by a large student body.
This is also your opportunity to get to know the college staff and counselors better. Introducing yourself and making yourself known to the academic and administrative staff at your college will keep you in mind whenever an academic or professional opportunity arises. Read a Florida National University’s (FNU) student success story about an Upward Bound student landing a job as an Admissions Advisor while planning to transfer into their Business Administration program here.
Summer Courses Might Not Conflict with Your Schedule as Much
If you’re a non-traditional student trying to balance a college career while raising a family, taking summer courses might be a viable option for you. For parents, most of the activities for children occur during the school months of the fall and winter term. The obstacle here is getting the kids to and from school while trying to do the same for yourself! If this is you, studying during the summer months might take some of the burden off of your hectic schedule. While school is out for the kids, you can focus on your academic studies!
FNU: Here to Help You Excel in Your Studies
FNU is dedicated to helping our students reach their academic goals as quickly as possible! That is why we offer two short terms during the summer semester that students can use to take classes during the summer months. To view a full list of our academic programs, visit our online catalog here. Contact us today to enroll in one of our summer courses!
