Summer courses are a great way to get ahead. They can come with a certain amount of stress though, due to taking on a large amount of work in a short period of time. The CSE Department has come up with ten tips to help you stay on track.
1.) Start reading for the course in between the spring and summer semester.
2.) Make a schedule and stick to it. Organize your work and set goals in order to finish assignments on time or even early.
3.) Don't become overwhelmed. If you start to struggle, contact your professor or TA immediately. Time is valuable and the sooner you recognize a problem, the less impact it will have on your grades.
4.) Understand course objectives and expectations. This will help you grasp what needs to be accomplished and what is expected of you.
5.) Email your professor or TA and ask for the syllabus ahead of time. This will provide a good idea of what to expect and will allow you to create a game plan.
6.) Take advantage of the quiet space available in the Student Resource Center and the Mathematics Library. It will aid with concentration and may also help with motivation.
7.) Get involved in campus activities. During the summer, it is important to stay social, which may not be easy with most students moving off campus. Getting involved in campus activities is a great way to meet new people and might help you enhance your resume.
8.) Enjoy your courses. The UNL environment is very different in the summer. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and focus on learning, not just grades. Take the opportunity to branch out and learn new concepts. There might be less pressure and smaller classes, so tackle things that you usually would not.
9.) Explore new subjects. Many courses are offered in most departments during the summer. The short time frame of courses will allow you to explore new fields without making a semester-long commitment. This will make you appear more well-rounded to employers.
10.) Enjoy the weather. It is easy to sit inside and read all day. Getting out and enjoying the sunshine can help improve your mood and will keep you feeling healthy. Take your books with you and sit in the park or in a green space on campus.