Summer Courses? Here's What You Should Consider

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Summer Courses? Here's What You Should Consider
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• For college students, summer courses can be a
  good way to get ahead, earn some credits, and
  learn something new. If you're in a program where
  there's some flexibility with regards to the
  types of courses you take, it can be overwhelming
  to narrow down your list of options. The key to
  choosing the right summer courses is taking the
  following factors into consideration

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• Your regular course load
• The length of the courses
• Your financial situation
• The types of summer courses offered

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Your Regular Course Load

• The number and type of summer courses you take
  can affect the number and type of winter and fall
  courses you're required to take. Taking some
  summer classes can lighten your course load
  during the rest of the school year, which can be
  very helpful for some students. That said, keep
  in mind that some degree programs may not allow
  summer courses, and some require students to take
  at least five courses per term.

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• Figuring out which classes to take and when to
  take them can be confusing, so always ask your
  academic advisor first. Its also important to
  keep in mind that dropping down to part-time
  status during the academic year may change the
  access you have to on-campus or student
  government-run services make sure you check with
  the Registrars office about what a part-time
  Fall or Winter course load could mean for you.

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The Length of the Courses

• Mistakenly, some students are under the
  impression that summer classes are shorter than
  fall and winter semester classes. While that is
  occasionally true, summer courses are often the
  same length as fall and winter courses. This
  should be a major consideration if youre
  balancing work and school. For many students, the
  summer provides an opportunity to work more hours
  and make more money, so taking courses that last
  the entire summer can make this more difficult.

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• Remember, though, that the length of a course
  can depend on the course type. Shorter summer
  courses are often a condensed version of fall and
  winter term courses, so keep this in mind as you
  create your course schedule. It may be
  counter-productive to take a condensed version of
  an important class, especially one thats vital
  to your program.

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Your Financial Situation

• When youre a college student, finances are a
  major part of every decision you make. Your
  financial situation affects everything from the
  food you eat, to where you live, to the courses
  you take. Financial assistance and student loan
  programs only provide a certain amount of money
  per year and may not fund summer courses.

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• Additionally, taking summer courses may expend
  precious funds needed for fall and winter
  courses. So its imperative to consider your
  financial situation and options before signing up
  for the summer semester.

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The Types of Summer Courses Offered

• Although its possible to take courses during
  the summer months, the variety of courses offered
  can be somewhat limited. For this reason, you
  shouldn't assume that any and/or all of your
  pre-requisite courses will be available.
  Fortunately, there are typically plenty of
  electives offered in the summer term and you may
  also have the opportunity to take some of those
  classes online.

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• Whether you're planning to take courses this
  summer or you are thinking ahead to the fall,
  don't forget to secure a quality student rental.
  London, Ontario offers many options for
  off-campus student housing, but only Residence on
  First offers premier housing at affordable
  prices, just steps away from Fanshawe College.