The dreaded summer class. Looming in the distance and basically sucking all the fun out of whatever time you thought you had this summer, the summer session of classes is a formidable opponent indeed. This harbinger of doom comes in a variety of types, and just using Squirtle against a Magicarp isn't a great idea, knowing what you’re up against for the summer is key.

Two main types of summer class are the “long” about 10 week courses and the “short” five week course. The former leaving a false sense of security by comparison to the latter, and the latter being a whirlwind of information for any subject. Then there is the dreaded may-mester which is rumored to be so quick that the tests sometimes come down with the syllabi.

If you’re currently taking or going to be taking a summer class, here’s a few things you might find…

1. The Professor is Either Totally Chill or a Dictator

There is no medium! A summer session is a unique situation where there is a lot of information distilled down into a concentration that can overwhelm some. Sometimes it may just overwhelm the professor and they end up walking into class like this. Spouting off deadlines, reminding you of homework every 10 minutes and leaving you fearful of the course itself.

Then sometimes they remember that its summer vacation and they stroll in like this, already talking about letting class out early.

It’s best when this happens to know that you’re going to be working really hard anyway. Don’t let this cool demeanor fool you. At least the first scenario lets you know that on some level the professor cares. A relaxed, nearly uncaring professor is almost worse. The test will come and unless you’ve started reading the “optional” textbook, you may find yourself taking the same class in the fall.

2. Yes, it’s Technically Vacation.

It’s beautiful outside and you just want to be here.

But instead you feel like you’re here.

And the work you're doing has you coming outside like.

The work will be worth it. Try planning some fun summer nights to counteract those long days, but make sure you get your work done first. There is no time for begging for a re-grade or turning in things late.

3. Make Friends Quickly

Find a buddy, five, or the entire class. Questions can’t wait until next week or even the next day sometimes. Not to mention if you’re trying to learn a new sport or take a class that requires a lot of practice, you have about twenty people in the same boat. Not to mention it is nice to have friends to suffer with you.

Taking a course this quickly is hard, but it’ll all be worth it when one more credit is out of the way and you can keep moving forward. Still, it is summer. Make sure to have some fun, just not too much, and when the professor looks at the class and explains ninety percent of the class is based on your test scores because he doesn’t like giving a lot of homework, run. Run for the library and don’t look back.