Summer School Survival Guide
Don’t Let Classes and Social Obligations Put Self Care on the Back Burner
At this point in the spring semester, you know whether you’ll be taking summer classes. Sometimes they’re a necessary evil: you need to progress more quickly in your degree program, or you need to retake a class you struggled with during the regular school year. Other times, it’s because you’re setting yourself up for a lighter course load in the fall – a wise choice.
But with warm weather, hot sun, and opportunities for outdoor socialization abound, don’t forget to take care of yourself between fun and learning. Follow these survival tips from your favorite college care package company to make your summer semester one to remember, both because it was enjoyable and because you felt your best.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
We know that you’ve heard it literally a million times before. But during the summer, your body needs more fluids to replenish the ones you lose through sweat. And you’re probably doing a lot more sweating during the summer.
Perhaps your dorm or apartment doesn’t have the best air conditioning. Maybe you have to trek quite a distance to your academic buildings. Perhaps your exercise routine takes you outdoors more than before. Regardless of what your summer activities look like, you’ll want to drink plenty of water.
A hydrated body is a healthy one that can carry you where you need to go, keep your brain sharp, and help you stay awake as you daydream about being anywhere but class.
Schedule Everything By the Hour
If you can, prioritize your classes and homework completion during one part of the day, for example, 8 a.m. to noon, or noon to 3 p.m. This gives you the rest of the day to enjoy summer for what it is and take a breather from the college stressors you so badly wanted to escape during the academic year.
By sticking to a schedule, you know exactly when you have free time to attend parties, hit the public pool, take a hike, or meditate in front of a cool fan. It sounds silly, but you should schedule special time for self care each week so you can make sure you’re happy, healthy, and staying positive.
Be Smart About Your Course Load
If you’re taking summer classes because you’re looking to graduate earlier (or on time), it’s important that you keep your goals in perspective. While it may be nice to take only four classes, rather than five, your last two semesters in college, overloading your summer with a bunch of credit hours might not be the best idea.
Ultimately, you know yourself better than anyone else does. That’s why you should be asking yourself whether you can handle a full load of courses during the summer on top of all the activities students look forward to between the months of June and August. You deserve some relaxation, too, and you’ll be craving it when the school year starts in the fall.
Get Outside!
For the last year, we’ve all pretty much been feeling like we needed to stay locked indoors and limit our public activities, including those outdoors. This summer, it’s already looking like many states will be lifting their COVID-19-related restrictions. This means in your area it may be safe to head into the great outdoors for some self care!
Get a little sun to pump up your vitamin D supply (but always wear sunscreen), incorporate the outdoors into your fitness routine, and enjoy fresh air while you can. (Winter is coming…) Be sure you do all of this safely, wearing a mask when necessary, and continuing to social distance until it’s safe to get closer. Being outdoors can lower your risk of catching a contagious illness, which is nice.
Ask for Help When You Need It
It doesn’t matter who you are or how old you are. Asking for help can be difficult and even feel embarrassing. But when you need assistance, you’re better off swallowing your pride and being upfront.
Talk to a parent, other trusted adult, your RA, your professors, or your academic adviser if you’ve identified something that will help you get through the semester without tears or frustration.
How Parents Can Help: Care Packages and Emotional Support
Parents should pay close attention to what their students are saying when they call home. If their attitude, tone, or behaviors are changing, be sure to ask them about it directly. They may have something very important to tell you – be it good or not necessarily great. Being there for them emotionally can help your students get through a tough summer semester.
Be cognizant that your student may want to partake in social activities and other leisure activities during the summer. Remind them that schoolwork is important, but nagging them about attending a party or hitting the pool won’t inspire them to focus on academics. Encourage them to strike a balance instead. After all, summer won’t be the same again after graduation.
Parents who are looking for a way to set their students up for success during the summer semester, and any other time during the school year, may be interested in sending their child a monthly care package from My College Crate.
These incredible monthly gifts for college students or prep school students are full of premium items, like Bluetooth speakers and gift cards, novelty socks, and snacks, and are shipped straight to your student at school every month. You don’t have to remember to re-send the care package; My College Crate takes care of everything for you. Subscribe now.
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