Sometimes, you've got no choice but to take a college class during the summer. Sadly, that's the case for me this month. It gets you ahead, sure, but sometimes you wonder if it's worth it. But at the same time, there are also a few things you don't experience during the fall and spring terms, and you decide maybe summer classes aren't too terrible.
The Bad
1. The same class, every. day.
During the normal term, you get into a routine of what day has what classes, and it's often nice to have a day in between each class for a course. With summer classes, you're stuck in the same classroom every day. The absolute monotony of it can send you into a stupor sometimes.
2. The course is accelerated.
So much information, so little time. It hits you quickly and often you go through two weeks of material in a day. It's a ton to keep up with, so it can get a little overwhelming.
3. The campus stores are closed.
My campus has two coffee shops and a separate cafe from the cafeteria that sells food and snacks even during the times that the dining hall is closed. During the summer, there aren't enough students to staff them, thus I do not get my smoothie fix.
4. Class lasts forever.
If, like mine, your university does month-long courses in the summer instead of taking the whole season, class can last up to three hours a day. That's crazy, man. After more than an hour of sitting at a desk, my attention tends to wander.
5. Exams are every week.
And the worst part about it, even though they're much closer together than normal-term exams, each still covers the same amount of material. Therefore, you feel like you're constantly studying, and it's still not enough. Well, unless you suffer from procrastination. Then you spend all your time worrying about how much you really should be studying right then.
6. You probably don't know anyone on campus.
The Good
7. Classes are smaller.
My college is relatively small, so normally classes range from about 15-50 students. This is much smaller than many colleges, but it can still feel like you're just a face in the crowd. Here during summer terms, the number of pupils in a class is usually under 10. It gives a more focused feel to the classroom, and it's a lot easier for the teacher to get to know you and be available.
8. Your schedule isn't as crazy.
Because it's a summer term, you're probably only taking one or two classes. Though the workload can be a little much at times, it's still a lot less hectic than during other semesters.
9. There's less to focus on.
With only one or two classes, you can give the material your full attention. During the spring and fall, when you have six classes per week, all the information tends to blur and get lost among everything you need to know and do.
10. It will pay off.
Taking a summer term isn't the most fun thing, and it's not all that easy, but you know in the end you'll be grateful that you put yourself through it when it's one less class you have to take next semester.
