Tips For Being On Campus Over Summer

By Ashley Paskill on July 8, 2019

Whether you are staying on campus for a class or internship or if you just love being at school, you may be staying on campus over the summer. However, being on campus over the summer is a different environment than it is during the school year. There are fewer people and fewer businesses may be open. With a new environment brings things to know and keep in mind as you go about your summer.

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There are fewer people on campus

While your campus may have tens of thousands of people on campus during the school year, most students go home during the summer months. This means you will have a chance to meet people you likely did not get a chance to when so many other people were on campus. Not a lot of people take classes over the summer, so you will have a chance to connect with others within your major, and these people can become valuable connections in your future.

That said, since there are fewer people over the summer and the weather is nicer, crime is more prevalent over the summer months. Be alert at all times and keep an eye on your belongings. If possible, carry pepper spray in case anything happens. Also, if your campus security offers a walking escort service at night, use it. Use common sense and be as careful as possible. Have the campus security phone number in your phone so that you have easy access in case something was to happen.

You have to pay for your living expenses

If you stay on campus over the summer, you still have to pay rent on your house, apartment, or dorm. Depending on where you live, the rent may be lower than during the school year. For those who had an apartment during the school year, you may be able to continue staying there if your lease is still going. Also, you may be able to sublease if you need a place to stay. If your living place has a pool or outdoor seating, summer is the ideal time to utilize these amenities.

You will also have to continue paying for food and your class if you are taking one. Most financial aid does not count for summer classes, so check with your financial aid department to figure out how you can get assistance if you need it. You may want to get a part-time job if you are living on campus. If you are looking for an internship, see if you can get one that is paid.

You can take advantage of having an outdoor space

Over the school year, a lot of the time is either fall or winter. By the time nice weather comes back around, it is summer. Those who opt to leave for the summer do not get a chance to take advantage of any outdoor spaces available to them at their apartment. If you are staying, you can do a lot with your outdoor area to decorate it. You can make it an outdoor party place and invite classmates or even home family and friends over for a party.

Even if you do not have an outdoor space at your apartment, you may want to take advantage of outdoor areas on campus. Many campuses have a bell tower or outdoor seating areas at the center of campus. These areas are great ways to meet new people and explore an area that is too cold to visit during the school year. You may even want to check out food trucks if your campus has them. You can sit outside and eat lunch if it is not raining.

Use this time to focus on personal development

If you go home for the summer, a lot of your time may be dedicated to a summer job or relaxing. You may find it difficult to find time and motivation to continue the progress you made on your professional or personal development during the school year. However, if you opt to stay on campus, even if you have a job, you will be more motivated to better yourself. You will also have more focus since your school friends may have gone home for the summer.

As mentioned before, you may opt to do an internship. This will help your career because you will get skills and connections that you cannot get in the classroom. Finding one near campus can give you an easy commute if you live on campus over the summer. Even if you do not get an internship, you can hone your skills and focus on developing your professional brand.

Go to the gym on campus to focus on your health. During the school year, the gym on campus is likely packed. Use the emptiness of the summer campus to your advantage. You will not have to wait long for a piece of equipment that you want to use. You may also be able to meet new people if you sign up for a fitness class that fills up quickly during the school year.

Being on campus over the summer may not seem like fun, but you can make the most of the experience by trying new things and exploring campus.

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