Back to Student StoriesThe Perks of Taking Summer Classes
It goes beyond earning a few extra credits. Explore all the reasons why spending part of your summer with the University of Arizona is a great idea.
In high school, summer school was thought of as a bit of a bummer – only taken because you didn’t pass a class, or because you wanted a higher grade, or because you needed to stay on track to graduate.
In college, however, summer classes have a totally different meaning. Read about the perks of being a summer school superstar.
Summer Session Benefits
Score an academic advantage
Summertime is a great time to get ahead or back on track. Here are six ways you can use summer school at the University of Arizona to your academic advantage.
- Lighten your credit load for next semester. Any class you take over the summer can free up your schedule for internships, research, and fun with friends when the Fall semester starts.
- Speed things up. Since the majority of summer classes are accelerated, you can earn more credit hours in less time.
- All the help you’re used to. Think Tank’s tutoring and writing centers, along with the Thrive Center, LifeLab, and SALT Center, are still open for business – all with smaller crowds. Check in with the Student Success District for hours and appointment information.
- Avoid summer brain shutdown – keeping those neurons firing by taking a class or two can help you stay sharp for Fall.
- Take on a tough class. You’ll master the material and crush those quizzes when you have less on your plate and less distractions.
- Make up a class and get back on track to graduate on time (or, ahead of time!).
Other summer school pros
Beyond the academic benefits, summer school at Arizona offers some surprising perks.
- Make yourself at home. Housing & Residential Life has dorm rooms available and Arizona Student Unions offer dining so you can recharge and refuel after class. Bonus Tip: If you are participating in an internship, your summer housing could be free! Check out internship housing provided by Conference & Guest Services.
- Take advantage of unique summer job opportunities like becoming an “A” Camp counselor or a lifeguard at the Rec.
- Campus is beautiful all year round, and during the summer you have more time to enjoy it. Plus, your favorite hangouts and resources including the Library, Campus Rec, and Campus Health are less crowded. Check their web pages for summer hours.
- Parking is a breeze during the summer. Go to Parking & Transportation to get hooked up with a permit and parking options closest to where you need to be.
- Tucson is bustling from May through August. Bookmark Tucsontopia for its up-to-date calendar with city-wide concerts, festivals and events.
Location isn’t a limitation
Summer sessions are especially flexible because we know you’ll have more to do than study.
You can take summer classes on campus or at one of our convenient locations near you. For maximum flexibility, top-ranked Arizona Online allows you to do school from anywhere, anytime—around your busy summer work or play schedule, at home, poolside or from your favorite vacation spot.
And if your sense of adventure and wanderlust is calling, make Costa Rica, Italy, or France your classroom this summer! Amazing University of Arizona Study Abroad opportunities can help you add learning and international travel to your summer plans.
More summer success tips
Why just survive summer school when you can thrive? Check out our tips and advice for success and getting the most out of your summer session.
• Treat yourself well. Be realistic about how much time you can and will put into school over the summer. If you have the option, consider choosing a single, less challenging general elective.
• Satisfy your curiosity. Summer is an ideal time to take a class that interests you but won't fit into your academic schedule otherwise.
• Stay cool. There are study rooms and spaces throughout the Student Success District for summertime use, so you can get out of the heat and down to work.
Let’s Do This!
Get started by looking over the available summer sessions and start dates and the schedule of classes to see which courses are available on campus, online, or near you. Then use your shopping cart to map out a schedule and use UAccess to register. Finally, check with your academic advisor to see how your summer classes work with your overall academic plan.
Prospective students, newly admitted, or readmitted students can find information about registration eligibility here. Find everything else you need to know about expanding your education with summer sessions by clicking the link below.
Summer registration opens April 1.
University of Arizona summer classes run from May 13 through August 16 with flexible 5-, 7-, 10- and 13-week sessions and a wide variety of start dates.