Summer- a time where tans appear, late nights turn into mornings, and everything automatically gets better….. even if you’re taking 12 credits and working 40-hour weeks. Call me crazy but that’s my summer in a nutshell. I personally like taking summer classes because it helps keep me on track, and focused on school year round. That way when fall rolls around I’m ready to roll and back in the zone of school life. Taking summer classes also helps you manage your time well so you don’t lay around watching Netflix all day. Even though the work is still tedious you can defiantly still make the most of it. Here are three tips to make the most of your summer while taking classes:

1. Plan ahead.

When you get or print off your class syllabus with weekly or daily topics, reading schedules and assignment due dates grab your planner an FILL IT OUT. Write every last detail about your paper or exam in there so if you lose the syllabus or forget you can referee to your planner. Writing down mini “goals” on assignments or papers is a great idea too. Maybe three weeks out of your papers due date you want to have it planned out, and have two solid sources. Writing it down helps you remember it and helps you plan ahead so you’re not scrambling at the last minute to get things done.

2. Have “homework parties."

I kid you not I go to those more than regular parties. Even though there’s no beer pong (bummer), you can still hang out with friends and socialize together while getting work done. My friends and I usually plan dinner get togethers and have a pot luck of food to much on while we feverously type away at our work. It’s nice because you’re being productive, socializing with friends, and you still feel like you’re doing something extravagant…. Even though it’s a 3-page paper… As long as you can manage working beside them and not being tempted to chit chat all of the time, that may be half the challenge.

3. Discover new places to work on homework at.

Chances are if you live in a college town there are bound to be numerous coffee shops, and cafes you can set camp up at and be productive. I personally like background noise even if I’m listening to music. I like hearing voices and seeing people walk around in the back ground instead of being locked in a study room or at a desk. Going to Starbucks or Caribou is great don’t get me wrong, but finding other coffee shops that are local is even better. Local coffee shops are unique and have their own vibe that is pretty fun to discover.