Last Updated on July 20, 2025 by Alexandra Markin
Summer isn’t exactly known as the best time to buckle down and hit the books. The weather is beautiful, the days are long and focus is low. Add in family obligations or a full social calendar and staying motivated can feel impossible.
But if you’re taking summer classes, you’re definitely not alone. Research shows more and more students are enrolling in summer courses, which means we all need some practical summer study tips.
The City University of New York (2020) reported 76,688 students enrolled in online summer classes – a 17% increase compared to the previous year. Although 2020 was the initial year of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may have helped fuel a growing trend of summer enrollment.
According to the University System of Georgia’s Summer Report (2024), 179,146 students took summer classes – an 8.2% increase from the previous year. It saw undergraduate enrollment rise 6.8% and graduate enrollment soar 11.9%.
Times are changing. Many students are opting to take summer classes to get a head start in college, finish their degree faster or help save money.
As an online Bachelor of Commerce student, I’ve opted to take courses year-round to fit my schedule, so I know how challenging it can be to study June-August. I’ve put together my top summer study tips that help me survive the season while maintaining my GPA.
1. Set Practical Expectations
The best thing you can do during summer semester is to set practical expectations, both academically and personally.
Instead of trying to do everything on your list this summer, focus on what’s realistic for your time and energy. Maybe that means taking one course instead of two, aiming for study session consistency over perfection, or giving yourself a wider window to complete tasks.
Summer is not the best time to pile on pressure to be ultra-productive, so give yourself permission to study a little less on days when life gets full or you need a break. Much easier said than done I know!
2. Make a Summer-Specific Study Schedule
Summer is great for derailing routines. Between travel plans, social obligations and just wanting to relax in the sunshine with a juicy summer novel and an iced matcha, it’s really easy to procrastinate.
That’s why one of my most important summer study tips is to create a study schedule that accommodates both fun and focus.
For example:
- Morning study block: Have afternoon/evening plans? Schedule a study block in the morning.
- Afternoon study block: Have morning and evening plans? Schedule your study block for the afternoon.
- Evening study block: Have morning/afternoon plans? Schedule a study block for the evening.
Although this may be quite different from your study schedule during the traditional school year, allowing for flexibility will help you stay on track without feeling like summer passed you by.
RECOMMENDED READ:
- If you need a little help building one, head to the post 3 Summer Study Schedule Examples – it has flexible templates you can customize with your own hours.
3. Schedule Days Off
Scheduling an entire day off studying isn’t being lazy – it’s necessary. Your brain really needs time off to relax, reset and process what you’ve learned.
This was really hard for me to accept. As a very ambitious type A person, I always felt like I should be doing some kind of study everyday. However, I’ve found through trial and error if I don’t take days off, I’ll sit down to study one morning to find my brain has just completely shut down – a clear sign it needs a break.
So block out time to rest, enjoy the sunshine or do something you really enjoy that has nothing to do with school.
4. Complete Hardest Tasks First
When your energy is fresh (the beginning of your study session), plan to tackle your hardest tasks first.
The book Eat That Frog! For Students teaches you how to spot your biggest, scariest task (aka your “frog”) and tackle it first. I used to spend so much time “stressing” about my frog, but over time I learned that getting it over with first actually allowed me to feel more relaxed.
Whether it’s a confusing concept, tough practice questions or starting that paper, getting it done early takes a huge mental load off your day.
Tired of putting things off? This no-fluff guide will cure your procrastination. It's quick to read, easy to follow and the 22 tips actually work - even if you’re a chronic “I’ll do it later” type.
I do understand that sometimes you need a small warm-up task before diving into this, so try checking your online student portal for updates/messages, reviewing your current lesson syllabus or updating your planner for the day.
5. Plan Around Temperature
Because most of us live in the northern hemisphere, it means studying indoors during the longest and hottest days of the year. In this case, the temperature of your environment may dictate your summer study schedule.
Try and plan your study sessions when your home is the coolest, especially if you don’t have air conditioning. So if you get morning sun, study in the evening, or if you get evening sun, study in the morning.
Tackle your hardest tasks during the cooler hours of the day, and leave lighter tasks (like reviewing notes or reading) for when the heat makes it harder to concentrate.
Also, set yourself up to be physically comfortable: wear light, breathable clothing (think cotton or linen), keep a bottle of ice water on hand and use a small desk fan to keep the air moving.
However, if you plan to study at a coffee shop or library, keep in mind that indoor air conditioning can make it really uncomfortable – even in the summer! Dress in layers and pack a sweater.
I love to study at Starbucks, but they always have the AC up so high that I have to wear long sleeves, a sweater, pants and closed toe shoes! It could be 30°C outside and I’ll have to order a hot drink to stay warm – it’s ridiculous!
6. Switch Up Your Study Location
Winter or summer, sometimes you just need a change of scene away from your home base study space.
This could be a cafe, library, an on-campus location or even a friend’s house. But particularly in summer, some students like to study outside. You can study anywhere you feel most productive – one of my favourite advantages of online learning.
Studying outside may sound romanticized, but it doesn’t work for everyone. I personally can’t study outside. I’m not able to see my laptop or iPad screens properly because of the lighting and glare, white book pages are just too bright, and I need a proper table, chair and space for my study items. The best I can do for outdoor study is reading – in the shade.
7. Create Clear Boundaries With Family and Friends
Summer is generally a busy season for social events, visits with friends and family and spontaneous fun, which is why setting personal boundaries with those you love is so important.
Don’t feel guilty for protecting your time. You’ve chosen to get your degree for YOU, no matter what others think.
Let people in your life know that you need time dedicated time to study. Not only does this move you closer towards your goals, but also shows others that your education is something you take seriously.
Block off a chunk of time in the day and turn off your notifications. Those who support you will understand that your replies might take a bit longer than usual.
This also may mean that you’re unable to host other family members or friends at your home this summer, and there is nothing wrong with that. Prioritizing your time (and space!) is part of honouring your commitments.
8. Schedule In Some Summer Fun
Just because you’re a “student” doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the summer. One of the best ways to stay motivated is to intentionally schedule in some fun.
Block off time for a weekend trip, something from your summer bucket list or a day dedicated to your favourite hobby.
When you allow yourself to enjoy summer guilt-free it creates balance – and gives you something to look forward to after all those tough study sessions.
Staying connected with the people you care for also matters – it helps you recharge and stay grounded. Social interaction plays a key role in student life, both online and on-campus, so don’t feel like you should turn down every invitation from your friends just because you’re taking a summer class.
RECOMMENDED READ:
- Heading out of town this summer? Read the post Tips to Study on a Plane before you take off.
9. Keep Hydrated and Healthy
This one may sound obvious, but making a conscious effort to stay hydrated and healthy can make a big difference for focus and retention – particularly in the heat of the summer.
Always keep a water bottle with you, and avoid heat-induced headaches by using electrolytes.
Boost your brainpower by hydrating faster than water! Perfectly small packets to toss in your bag for study sessions on the go.
When you fuel your body with real meals (not just iced coffee and protein bars), you give your brain the nutrients it needs to withstand long summer study sessions and still have energy left to enjoy the fun you have planned for that day, week and month.
Don’t forget about proper sleep and exercise. Everything is connected – when you take care of your body, your mind can function at its best.
RECOMMENDED READ:
- For a full list of healthy self-care strategies, check out the post How to Stay Healthy as an Online Student.
10. Maintain Motivation
Summer has long been one of the hardest semesters to stay motivated. Many students take time off from their social media study accounts, others go away and everyone else is in vacation mode.
However, you’re not alone. Around the world, hundreds of thousands of students are studying throughout the summer, but it’s that general feeling of camaraderie by millions that is sorely missed June through August.
One of the best ways I’ve found to maintain motivation is by reminding myself why I’m taking summer classes – whether that’s graduating sooner, lightening next term’s course load or simply staying in the rhythm of learning.
Sometimes all you need are a few words in the form of a study motivation quote. Some are gentle, some are tough love, but all of them remind us that we can keep going even when our motivation is low.
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs, American entrepreneur
11. Reward Yourself
When you’re pushing through summer courses, celebrating even small milestones matter – they boost motivation and build self-discipline. Studying in the middle of a season built for fun and relaxation is no small task, so give yourself credit.
Whether it’s a tough study session, assignment submission or the completion of a major to-do, every small win deserves recongition.
Some ideas for summer-based rewards could be:
- A summer treat like an iced matcha, fresh fruit or ice cream
- Grabbing takeout from your favourite place
- An afternoon by the pool, lake or beach
- Diving into a juicy summer novel
- Watching an episode of your favourite show
Rewards don’t have to be big – they just need to be meaningful to serve as a reminder that even little efforts move you towards your goal.
Summer Study Tips Recap
Summer classes come with their own set of challenges, but with a few intentional strategies you can stay focused and still enjoy June-August.
From planning ahead to taking regular days off, every small choice contributes to your progress. Don’t underestimate the power of switching things up – whether that’s trying a new study spot, studying with a friend virtually or even changing your routine to better match your summer energy.
I’d love to know what’s working for you – share your summer study tips in the comments below!
If you’re looking for more support, tips or encouragement along the way, sign up for my email list below and follow me on Instagram and Pinterest to join our online student community – you don’t have to go through your study journey alone!
