Summer can play havoc with your studies. Many people look forward to summer with its long days and warmer weather. While most university students have a summer break from their studies, AU students often keep at it year round.
Studying in summer has its advantages. A few extra statutory holidays provide some bonus time, longer days mean more natural light for reading, and foregoing a study break allows you to maintain momentum.
But summer study can be tricky too. There are extra distractions and more opportunities to engage in outdoor activities. It can be difficult to work on a course when everyone else seems to be outside having fun.
Summer study success is possible with a little planning. Here are a few aspects to consider:
Be realistic. Are you really going to have as much time for study during the summer? If You’re the type of person who looks forward to summer all year, chances are you have something other than studying in mind. Have realistic expectations of how much time you can and will devote to study in the summer months. You might have to scale back your course load over the summer or plan to take more time completing courses.
Plan ahead. How will your course due dates fit around any summer activities you have planned? Take out a calendar so you can visualize which dates you need to keep sacred for assignments or exam preparation. If You’re planning to escape for a multi-week vacation, allow ample time afterwards to get back into a study frame of mind.
Take your studies with you. Can a weekend at the cottage or a week at the beach provide study opportunities? Idyllic escapes can present time to devote to your studies, as long as You’re realistic. Decide before you go away how you will schedule in study time, and make sure your travelling companions are understanding and cooperative. Then discipline yourself to study at your scheduled times.
The tutor factor. Have you found out when your tutor is taking holidays? If You’re relying on a quick turnaround of your last assignment before you write the exam, make sure your tutor knows the plan, too. Tutors have summer plans, just like you, so It’s wise to contact them well in advance to make sure your schedule is aligned with theirs.
Extend. Is summer fun winning the battle over summer studies? If there’s a chance you won’t be able to complete a course by the contract end date, consider purchasing a two-month course extension. don’t wait too long?an application for a course extension must be made at least one month before the course end date.
Summer study is survivable. With some advance planning and consideration, your studies will continue successfully all season long.
Barbara Lehtiniemi is a writer, photographer, and AU student. She lives on a windswept rural road in Eastern Ontario. Follow Barbara on twitter @ThereGoesBarb.