Let’s face it, nobody wants to take summer classes. But in Florida, it is mandatory to take nine credit hours in the summer. Our summer gets cut short a month or two, depending on which summer term. So here are my tips on how to survive summer classes and still have a great summer.

1. Take online classes.

If you live far from campus and you want to go home for the summer, you still can with online classes. Or if you’re not up to going to class three times a week, like me, then online classes are for you too. Even though there are still deadlines, you can still work at your own pace.

2. Stay organized.

Staying organized will make you less stressed, so you can still have the healthy summer mindset. If you keep a planner with all your due dates, you can plan ahead when to do your schoolwork while still having time to do summer activities.

3. Check your email every day.

Summer courses are faster paced than a normal semester, so it can be easier to miss information or deadlines. Stay on top of your email and always check to see if your professors send out reminders or any announcements.

4. Take your homework out with you.

If you have a bunch of work that you can’t escape from, bring it with you. Most places have Wi-Fi, but if they don’t just do as much as you can without it. You can relax and lay out at the pool with a textbook and your laptop, while still enjoying the sun. You won’t get as much finished, but you will still have a relaxed mind and some of your homework done.

5. Do schoolwork with friends.

Chances are you can easily find another close friend who is taking summer classes. When stress begins to build up, ask them to go with you to the library or a coffee shop. Being with good company can help relieve the stress and tension from school.

Have fun this summer, but don’t blow off your classes and get bad grades. Summer classes are a great way to catch up or get ahead. Take these classes as seriously, because they will help you graduate on time or even earlier.They can even help boost your GPA. I usually take the classes that I don’t want to take during a full semester during the summer, so it can even out my course load. If you take a harder class in the summer, you can take a lighter course in the fall. It will help you out in the future, so take them seriously.