Whether you are taking courses to catch up or get ahead in your program, here are some tips for you to make the most of your experience in summer school.
Set up your accommodations early in the term.
Set up your accommodations at the beginning of the term to avoid delays.
As best-practice:
- Request accommodations for your summer course(s) in Ventus at the beginning of the term or 14 days before a test or exam.
- Follow up with your professor(s) immediately to discuss how your accommodations will be arranged.
- Contact your PMC Coordinator if you require a referral to Learning Strategy (LS) or Assistive Technology (AT).
Manage your time effectively.
Summer classes tend to move quickly – they cover the same amount of course materials in six (6) weeks that takes 12 weeks during the fall and winter terms. Because of this it is especially important to keep up with the material and lectures.
To set yourself up for success, consider:
- Creating a weekly study schedule by allocating specific times for attending classes, reviewing notes, doing course readings, working on assignments and projects etc..
- Using a planner, calendar, or app to keep track of all deadlines in one place and set reminders to keep yourself accountable.
- Using productivity tools like the Pomodoro Technique (where you’ll work in focused 25-minute increments, followed by a 5-minute break) to stay focused and avoid burnout.
- If you need help managing your time and staying organized, contact your PMC coordinator for a referral to a Learning Strategist.
Stay connected with your professors and TAs
Don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors or TAs for clarification and support. Attend their office hours, request a meeting, or send them an email to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Take breaks and practice self-care
Condensed classes can be intense and stressful because of their accelerated pace. Make time to take breaks and prioritize self-care during your studies. Schedule time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax. This could be things like exercise, spending time in nature, or spending time with friends and family, etc..
- The Carleton Wellness webpage and Instagram feed, @CarletonWellness, has lots of ideas and inspiration for practicing self care, and maintaining mental health and wellness.
- Taking short breaks can help you recharge and maintain productivity, so try taking a10-15 minute break every hour to stretch, move around, and refresh your mind.
- Remember to prioritize sleep and healthy eating to maintain your physical and mental well-being.
- If you require professional support to manage your mental health, Health and Counselling Services offer individual counselling services.
Maintain your motivation
Maintaining motivation and a clear sense of purpose during your summer studies is important when the intense nature of condensed courses can lead to feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by the amount of work that need to be done over a short period of time.
- Remind yourself of the reasons you chose to take summer courses and how good it will feel to not have to worry about.
- Celebrate your progress and accomplishments along the way to stay motivated and engaged.
- Set small goals for yourself and reward yourself when you achieve them. Whether it’s a fun activity, a favorite meal, or a relaxing bath, give yourself something to look forward to and stay motivated to reach your goals.
Make use of campus resources
Take advantage of the many campus resources available to help you with your academic studies such as library services, study spaces and academic/learning support services.
- MacOdrum Library offers quiet study spaces, course reserve readings, book loans, accessibility services and research help.
- The Centre for Student Academic Support (CSAS) offers writing consultation sessions, one-on-one learning support sessions, and learning and writing workshops.
- Elsie MacGill Learning Centre offers tutorial support for 1st Year Engineering courses.
- Math Tutorial Centre offers tutorial support for 1st Year Math courses.
- The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs offers thesis writing consultation, professional writing shops, and professional development consultation.
- If you are a PMC graduate student, join the Graduate Student Summer Circle, a weekly virtual writing support group facilitated by Dr. Madison Bettle.