What’s more bittersweet than one semester ending and blending into the next? I’ll admit that a Summer semester is more bitter to think about at face value, especially when you’re exhausted and ready for a break.
Yet, where there’s work to be done, there are opportunities to be had. I know that I won’t let a single summer go to waste, especially as someone who prioritizes rest to avoid burnout. Summer terms are known for their flexibility and faster pace. There’s no time to fall behind, and it can feel difficult to stick to your goals.
On the other hand, I still plan to be out in the sun doing my favorite things while working towards my academic and financial goals. It’s important to find a balance in my life by planning and protecting my peace.
Here’s how I’m preparing for my Summer term at FSU:
- Take a Real Break Before It Starts
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A good mindset is half of success, and to avoid burning out, it’s important to take a real break before summer starts. For me, I want it to feel like something new rather than just a continuation of Spring. My Summer term doesn’t start for a month after my last semester, but I know some may start earlier.
Take advantage of your free time: see your friends, tan in the sun, and live in the break you deserve. If you don’t take even the smallest amount of time for yourself, you’ll start your Summer term mentally behind. I don’t want my burnout to catch up to me before I’ve had the chance to be productive in all the ways I plan to.
My advice is to disconnect from school stress — recognize that rest is important, and it’s not something to feel guilty about. If you’re on campus, there are plenty of spots to hang out, including Lakefront Park, Wakulla Springs, or even Landis Green. Then, go chill out in a Tallahassee restaurant! If you’re out of town, take a trip down memory lane before school starts again!
Once I feel mentally reset, it’s time for me to plan in a way that feels sustainable and stable.
- Planning Out My Calendar
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Planning matters more than ever; it keeps my mind clear and organized, and since time is more constrained, it’s important to know deadlines before they sneak up on you. Take out your planner or online calendar and mark dates that you know will be important later.
I’m making sure that my exam dates, big deadlines, and registration dates are in there as soon as I receive them. On top of that, important things like appointments, due dates, and events are drawn in too!
Since I do this, I can plan other fun things without worrying about double-scheduling! This especially helps with keeping up with courses before exams and assignments start building up, so they don’t feel so overbearing.
- Prioritizing Mental Health
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Short Summer terms can feel intense, especially with varying workloads and time constraints, so even with your calendar planned out and fully rested, mental health can still pose as a barrier; at least I know it can for me.
It’s extremely important to take care of yourself during school, but when loneliness and jobs can interfere with productivity during the summer, it’s a priority to make time for yourself. Don’t let school become your whole identity; there’s more to life than stressing over summer finals!
I plan to make sure I continue to do my favorite hobbies amidst my school routine and to get up each day and find something new to do! I’ll spend my time hanging out with friends, lying out in the sun, writing in coffee shops, and working out at the gym.
Consistently doing things you love and surrounding yourself with people is one of the greatest ways to dig yourself out of a bad spot. Summer shouldn’t be a dark time, so make sure you’re still taking time for your own interests on top of school.
Being prepared is the best step you can take to make your Summer term a success. Summer terms can be intense, but they can also be completely manageable if you take them one step at a time.
For now, I’m still a little tired — and ready for a break — but at least I know what to expect and how to plan for the summer to come.
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