Student life is intense, you are constantly challenged by deadlines and difficult material, and when summer comes around you are due for a well-deserved break. Although some students may take on a summer internship to get ahead in their career, others make get a job to make some money, but for others taking a summer class or two is not a bad idea.

Summer classes might be the last thing you expected to consider, as summer is for relaxing, recharging and stretching your legs, but what about getting ahead on your major? Or focusing on a super difficult class? There are plenty of reasons that taking one or two classes is not a bad idea, but you should consider the pros and cons of this decision before signing up for the summer semester.

Keep in mind usually summer classes are shorter and more intense, so you might have more class time but over the period of a month, so you can still get some credits done and still have two months of summer.

Pro: Get Ahead

Depending on your degree, you might have more requirements than other majors. It is possible to get it done in four years, but taking a class or two here and there in the summer makes a big difference in reaching your preferred graduation date.

Summer classes are generally pretty chill, and even though they are faster pace they are less intense than during the school year and you will have fewer distractions to stay focused. It sounds like not that much more work for a big payoff.

Con: Face Study Burnout

A very real reason to not take summer classes is that you know yourself, and the truth is you are tired from the school year. During the academic year, you work pretty non-stop, especially if you are trying to excel in your classes and working or taking on career opportunities.

Sometimes when summer arrives you just need a break, don't push yourself to take summer classes if you really are burnt out, as it could end up affecting you and your grades negatively.

In general, remember to find a work-life-study balance, and in summer maybe you focus more on the life part.

Related: Student Hacks: How To Pass Your Classes Even If You Fell Behind

Pro: Focus On One Difficult Class

If there is a class in your major that is particularly challenging, everyone has at least one that is extra difficult compared to the rest, take it in the summer. This will help you get a better grade, and maybe even form a professional relationship with your professor to get a letter of recommendation for your hard work and determination.

Summer classes are more intensified time-wise, but because you have fewer obligations and less distraction, in the end you will have more time to focus and excel in that difficult course.

Con: Less Time For Yourself

Summer is generally the season of self-care and making yourself a priority, and if you are really looking forward to not having other obligations then maybe summer classes aren't right for you at the moment.

You deserve some quality time for yourself to relax and recharge. Keep in mind you will still have time for that after summer classes, but you know yourself better than anyone in terms of your priorities.

Pro: Get To Know Your Professors & Network

One of the most important things to do before leaving college is to make professional connections with your professors, mentors and even peers. This is something that weighs down on students throughout the year, they feel pressured to get those letters of rec but they don't have the time to really get to know professors.

Take the change in summer classes to make those professional connections, plus your professors will be less busy and have more time to get to know you as well.

Con: Eagnerness For A Change Of Environment

Depending on where you go to school, you might be itching to get out of town and do something different, even just going home for the summer. A change of environment is important for all kinds of people, and if you are feeling really stuck in your college town it can be a good thing to get away for the summer and come back feeling refreshed.

Pro: Work Hard Play Hard

As mentioned, when you take summer classes you can take steps toward your degree in a less-stressful way, and then take the rest of the summer to go hard on relaxing, traveling and catching up with friends and family.

Summer classes offer the perfect balance for working hard and then playing hard to reward yourself and get ready to start the school year again in September one step ahead from where you were before.

Next: 10 Ways Students Can Be More Self-Sufficient

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