Taking summer classes is always a good idea when you're in college and you're trying to stay on track or get ahead. If you have other things going on in the summer, it isn't ideal to take classes in a classroom so you most likely decide to take online classes. We all tell ourselves that we are going to be responsible and not procrastinate because it’s only a 6 week class. We assure our parents that we are going to hold ourselves accountable and maybe we do for a little bit but life gets in the way and it gets hard to hold yourself accountable.
I am not the best at not procrastinating but taking two online classes, interning, and babysitting at the same time has helped me understand how to handle procrastination a little better.
I leave you with a few tips on how to take on summer and online classes without losing your mind…
Take your online classes one day at a time.
Do not stress yourself out by wanting to do everything at once. Yes, you're trying to get things done but it is also summer and you need to take breather once in a while.
Work without getting distracted.
Log in to the online portal once a day for a couple of hours every day but make sure you put your phone down and just focus on your work. If you're going to do this without stressing out like you do when you're in school, you have to make sacrifices and disconnect from the world for a couple of hours.
If you're going to work for a long period of time, take breaks.
Go to the nearby Starbucks, sit and work, then take very well deserved coffee breaks. If you don't like coffee, you can always get iced tea or maybe a smoothie. And there is always pastries! You can also stay home and make sure you take snack breaks, stretch your legs out and get back to it.
Double your work during the week, if you don't want to work on weekends.
When taking online classes, I try to spread everything out in a way that it won't interfere with my weekends. You can either work double or work faster (but remember to do it correctly, if you are working faster).
If you work or have other responsibilities, make sure you are prioritizing.
If you have a job, you probably have a schedule that is reliable. Schedule your online class work around it and stick to it. If you have other responsibilities, do the same. Keep a schedule and keep yourself organized. You can do this!
I think that in the end you have to remind yourself that you are taking online classes for yourself and to make your college career better. So, it will all be worth it in the end.
Take a deep breath and know that everything will be okay. Hang in there!
