As the temperature rises and the days stretch longer, many students are gearing up for a well-deserved break from the school year. But for those who crave intellectual stimulation and want to get ahead in their studies, summer classes at the University of Pittsburgh offer the perfect opportunity to stay engaged and make progress toward their academic goals.

Accelerate Your Progress

Did you know that Pitt offers more courses during the summer than the school year? With a plethora of summer classes to choose from ranging in length from just four weeks up to a traditional semester, Pitt provides an excellent opportunity to explore your interests and accelerate your academic progress. By taking courses during the summer months, you can lighten your course load during the regular academic year, giving you more time to focus on other commitments or extracurricular activities. Additionally, completing prerequisites or general education requirements over the summer can free up space in your schedule for more advanced coursework later on. This is especially helpful for those who are pursuing dual majors, a minor, and/or certificates who still want to fit it all into four years.

Plan Ahead

Before diving into summer classes, take some time to carefully plan your schedule through Schedule Builder in PeopleSoft/HighPoint CX. Consider which courses you need to fulfill degree requirements or which subjects interest you the most. Use Degree Planner to visualize what your class schedules could look like if you take one or more classes this summer! Review the summer course offerings and create a well-balanced schedule that aligns with your academic and career goals. Planning will ensure that you make the most of your time and resources during the summer session. Once you’ve decided what courses you would like to take, enroll in courses through PeopleSoft. Be sure to pay attention to the enrollment deadlines and course dates for four-, six-, and 12-week classes on the academic calendar.

Be Mindful of Intensity

Many summer classes at Pitt are more condensed than those during the regular academic year, which means you can immerse yourself in a subject and make rapid progress in a shorter amount of time. Many students find that the focused nature of summer classes allows them to stay engaged and retain information more effectively. Although students’ summer classes can allow for a quick semester that’s easy to work around vacations, keep in mind that a shorter semester also means an intensive and fast-paced workload. Overloading on activities and not appropriately organizing your weeks will make it difficult and stressful to stay on top of classes so make sure you plan accordingly! If you are taking a four or six week course, be prepared for an intense learning experience and manage your time effectively to keep up with coursework and assignments. Setting a regular study schedule and staying organized can help you stay on track and succeed in your summer classes. Consider using Outlook to help manage your schedule effectively. From color coding to linking to your OneNote notebook, it can be a life-saver.

Make the Most of Campus Resources

Even during the summer months, Pitt's campus is buzzing with activity. From state-of-the-art libraries and research facilities to student organizations, there's no shortage of resources available to support your academic and personal growth. When you are on campus, the Student Computing Labs are open (check for summer hours, as they may differ). Most summer students don’t live in residence halls. When you are at home or traveling, no worries! Make use of Pitt IT’s Virtual Computing Lab when you’re not on campus. Whether you're hitting the books or soaking up the sun on the Cathy lawn, summer at Pitt offers the perfect blend of academic rigor and relaxation.

Balance Work and Leisure

While summer classes are undoubtedly a time for academic focus, it's also important to maintain a healthy balance between your studies and personal life. Schedule breaks and allocate time for relaxation and leisure activities to prevent burnout. Explore Pittsburgh, take advantage of outdoor recreational opportunities, or simply unwind with friends. (Consider doing the Campus Tree Trek with your fellow summer students.) Finding this balance will contribute to your overall well-being and make your summer at Pitt more enjoyable!

Summer Fun in Summer Classes

Summer classes at Pitt offer a valuable opportunity for academic growth and exploration. By planning ahead and managing your time effectively, you can navigate your summer studies successfully. Stay engaged, maintain a healthy balance, and embrace flexibility to make the most of your summer session at Pitt.

Want to learn more about summer courses at Pitt? Visit https://www.summer.pitt.edu/calendar.

-- By Haree Lim, Pitt IT Student Blogger