Summer School Survival

Written by: Raha Farrokh, PhD candidate, Comparative Literature & Culture
Photo by: Western Communications

My first summer as an undergrad, I found myself trading lazy patio hangouts for 8 a.m. lectures. My big plan? Squeeze a full university term into six sun-soaked (or so I hoped!) weeks of ardent studying. Spoiler alert: By Week 2, my caffeine budget was rivalling my tuition fees, and the term “compressed semester” felt like a personal attack. But hey, that whirlwind summer taught me some serious survival hacks, the kind I wish someone had whispered in my ear before I clicked that 'Enroll' button. 

If you're thinking about diving into summer studies, you're in the right place! 

So, Why Even Do Summer School? 

It might seem like a sacrifice of precious sunshine, but summer courses can be a strategic power move. Think about it: 

  • Fast track your degree: Get ahead on credits. 
  • Lighten future loads: Free up space in your fall/winter terms. 
  • Boost your GPA: Smaller classes can mean more focused learning. 
  • Stay sharp: Keep your academic momentum going.  

Convinced? Or at least curious? Let’s get to those survival tips. 

Your Summer School Survival Kit: Unpacking the Game Changers! 

Okay, here’s how to conquer that summer semester:

1. Master Your Mission: Course Load Recon

Western's got a course cap (usually 2.5) for Spring/Summer, and it's not just a suggestion, it's a sanity saver! 

Pro Tip: Before you even think about clicking 'register', grab a planner (digital or paper, your call!) and map it ALL out. Lecture times, guesstimated study hours, and those dreaded deadline dates. This is your early warning system for "OMG, three papers due in one week!" scenarios. 

2. Funding First! Secure the Bag ASAP

Let's be real, stressing about workload is way easier when you're not also stressing about rent. OSAP summer applications? They drop early. Don't sleep on this! 

Fun Fact: Did you know part time OSAP might cover you even with a 40% course load? Worth investigating for your specific sitch! 

3. Sleep: Your Unofficial Graded Assignment

Three hour summer lectures? Yep, they're a thing. And fatigue? It's the ultimate enemy of actually remembering anything. 

Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It: Aim for a solid 7-8 hours of quality sleep. Even a strategic power nap (think 20-30 minutes) can be a memory consolidating superhero. Your brain will send you thank you notes. 

4. Become a Study Spot Ninja: The Art of Booking

Ninja Strategy: Know you need a group study room? Book it online! And don't forget the underrated quiet zones; Weldon's third and fourth floors can be surprisingly zen escapes! 

5. Errand Efficiency: Reclaim Your Evenings!

With your tight schedule, every minute is precious. Trying to multitask during study time? Recipe for chaos (and zero focus). 

Life Hack Alert: Designate a "power hour" (or two) for all those adulting tasks,  groceries, laundry, etc. Bundle 'em up and boom! Evenings = reclaimed for actual chill time or, you know, more brain boosting. 

6. Prof Office Hours: Your New Academic BFFs

One of the unsung perks of summer school? Smaller classes often mean your profs might actually learn your name! This is your golden ticket. 

Insider Intel: Don't just roll in with a vague "I'm confused." Bring draft outlines, specific questions about the material. The feedback you get here can save you from those 2 a.m. panic emails later. 

7. Connect & Conquer: Don't Ghost Your Crew (or Summer!)

It's easy to feel like you're on a solo academic island when your main squad is deep in "summer vacay" mode. 

Stay Plugged In: Schedule those study breaks (virtual hangouts count!), plan a weekend hike, or just grab a quick coffee. It's all about not feeling like you've completely bailed on your friends or the summer. 

8. Micro Celebrations: You Literally Earned It!

Seriously, summer school is a sprint, a super condensed academic marathon. Pat yourself on the back! 

Build Your Reward System: 

  • Slayed a tough module? Gelato at The Spoke, incoming! 
  • Nailed that presentation? You've earned an evening of pure, guilt free chill. 

Pro Tip Extra: Thinking of sharing your mini victories on your studygram or with an accountability buddy? Do it! That little bit of public (or semi public) acknowledgement can be a surprisingly powerful motivator! 

And Don't Forget the "Summer" in Summer School! 

While you're expertly navigating course loads and acing those assignments, remember this: it's still summer! Don't let the whirlwind of condensed classes make you miss out on summertime entirely. Make a pact with yourself to schedule in some actual fun. Whether it's hitting the beach for an afternoon, finally having that BBQ with friends you’ve been postponing, or just dedicating an evening to a family movie night, these moments are vital. Balancing the books with a bit of bliss will keep you refreshed, prevent burnout, and honestly, make those study sessions even more productive. You’re not a robot; you’re a student enjoying (yes, enjoying!) a unique summer experience. 

Need a Little Extra Backup? Campus is Still Here for You! 

Even though it's summer, Western’s support systems are still up and running. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck: 

You’ve Totally Got This! 

Summer school is intense, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. With a bit of planning and these survival strategies, you’ll cross that finish line feeling lighter, wiser, and ready for whatever comes next. 

Ready to dive in and make your summer learning experience thrive? Go for it! 

What are your go to summer school survival tips? Share your wisdom and tag us on Instagram @WesternUStudentExperience! We’d love to see how you’re making the most of your summer studies!

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