Have you hit that point yet? Summer suddenly feels like it’s caving in on you? Didn’t you just start your internship last week? And school starts when?! In just a few days? When did this happen? How is this possible? Where did the summer go?
We seem surprised each year when we hit this point, as if we didn’t feel the exact same way precisely a year earlier. However, I am thoroughly convinced that this summer the rate at which time advances has actually accelerated. Whether you support my hypothesis or not, the truth of the matter is, school is just around the corner. Rather than turn a blind eye to the inevitable, take these last few days of summer to prep yourself for the year to come.
A few things to consider as the summer sun sets…
1. Organize Your Move
Moving back to school can be extremely stressful, especially for those rising sophomores who are about to enter their new houses (yay Adams!) The thought of relocating all of your crap (put bluntly) can be quite a daunting one. Beat the packing stress by planning your move now! Make sure your flights/plane tickets/etc are booked. If you need a ride from a friend or family member, ask now! Find out when your house opens and when your roommates/suitemates plan on moving in. Is there anyone who can help you move in? Consider employing a ship to school service such as Collegeboxes. Figure out the logistics ASAP so you have one less thing to worry about. Simple enough.
2. Start Selecting Classes
No need to be an uber nerd and map out your entire schedule now, but do make sure you know what Core or Gen Ed requirements you have left to fulfill. Rising seniors- be sure you don’t let any Cores fall through the cracks! Note what concentration requirements you have yet to fill. And if the mood strikes, begin shopping around for some fun electives. Start to get a handle of what courses you are considering shopping so you are not as overwhelmed when you return to school.
3. Rethink Your Extracurriculars
Summer is a great time to evaluate the way in which you choose to engage yourself in the Harvard community. Before you throw yourself back into the same old routine, spend some moments really thinking about what it is you’d like to participate in this coming semester. Were you satisfied with the extracurricular activities you participated in last year? Did you spend more time than you wanted to at The Crimson? Did acting in two student run productions take up too much of your time? Evaluate your schedule critically. Perhaps there is something you’d like to cut out. Or maybe there is one particular organization that you want to become more involved in. Maybe there’s something new you’d like to try. Even if you are a rising senior, a Harvard veteran, there is no need to assume that the coming year will be just like the previous. You have the opportunity to shape 2011-2012 in the way you want. Each year is a fresh start. Treat it as such.
4. Enjoy Yourself
Throughout the school year as Harvard students, we often feel over-booked, over-scheduled, and well…burnt out. Make sure you use the last few weeks of the summer to relax, restore, renew, and refuel. Spend time with your family. Play with your dog. Read a book for fun. Meditate. Whatever. But don’t just think you are resting while you can before the madness of Harvard overtakes you. Use the time to figure out what activities really relax you and then attempt to incorporate them into your school routine come fall.