Do weeks or even months of no college or university mean you should just relax and do nothing?!
While I do think it’s important to take some time off to rest and recharge, I also think that the summer break can be a great time to solidify your knowledge and enhance your overall well-being.
Many post secondary students are currently out of school for either the next 4 weeks until the summer semester starts or until September when the new school year begins. I have had several students ask me for recommendations as to what they should do during this break. I am always happy when I receive these questions because it indicates that students are being very proactive and they are genuinely motivated to continue on their path to success. And while many students may choose to work during their time off, I also recommend that they make a plan to keep content fresh in their brain and to work on bettering themselves in ways that will continue to be beneficial in the future.
If you are a post-secondary student wondering how to make the most of your break, here are some suggestions as to what you can do to stay on top of your game:
- Reflect on how the previous semester went for you. What went well? What didn’t go so well? Were you happy with your grades? If so, great! Reflect on what you did to achieve those grades so you know exactly what to do when you return. If you were not happy with your grades, then you need to acknowledge that your study strategies are not as effective as you would like them to be and you will have to try something different next term in order to see different results. Consider seeking support from a tutor or a Learning Strategist like me to improve your knowledge and/or your study habits. Once you have thought about what you would like to start or stop doing, write it down! You’ll want to be able to refer to this once you return to your studies.
- Make a plan to regularly review previously learned info. If you do not go over what you have learned in the past semester, then there is a very high likelihood that you will forget everything you learned! You don’t necessarily have to review every day, but refreshing your memory at least once per week will help to solidify those connections in your memory and ensure you have the foundational knowledge you need when it’s time to go back to school.
- Work on habit-based goals that will benefit you not only in school but also in your future career. Summer break is a great time to start implementing some healthy habits into your daily routine such as getting consistent sleep, meditating, exercising, or cooking healthy foods. Practicing good self care helps to optimize your brain for learning and these positive habits can help you to improve many other areas of your life as well.
Whatever you decide to do during your well deserved break, I also recommend that you make time for fun and relaxation. Enjoy your time off and be sure to reach out if you have any questions or want to learn more about improving your chances of academic success.