North Texas Daily

I know for many of us summertime is reserved for the gym, tanning and going out. But what’s stopping you from having fun and taking classes at the same time?

Summer semester classes are — by design — super easy. Depending on where you are in your degree plan, you may be able to take all of your classes online during the summer.

The benefit of having a semester only three, five or eight weeks long is it’s always almost over. I know we have all had that one course — or several — we spend the whole semester hating and feeling like the torture will never end. If you took these unfortunate classes during the summer, you would spend a lot less time suffering through them.

Also, since many summer classes are online, you could very well be taking your exams while lounging on a cruise ship.

I have to admit there are a number of courses that are not offered completely online, but even still, that shouldn’t stop you from taking one. Going to class Monday through Thursday for a few weeks hardly takes much effort, especially if you’re sticking around Denton for the summer anyway.

It’s not too late to sign up for financial aid either. The deadline is July 9, which gives you plenty of time to figure out your schedule and pick a course.

Summer financial aid is in many ways better than Fall or Spring aid because if you apply early enough, you may receive a grant — aka free money. Whatever your case may be, there are options. If I’ve learned anything from being here at UNT, it is that the school officials have our backs. They will not leave a student in a position where they are not able to take the classes they wish to take.

I haven’t taken any summer courses before this summer, but I can tell you about the eight-week Concepts of Biology course I’m taking right now. It’s online and there are two assignments per week. We may have a quiz every other week. There are a few at-home labs we will be expected to perform. I don’t hate biology, but I’m not a huge fan of it. I am so thankful that I made it off the waitlist and must only suffer for eight weeks instead of 16.

There is really no downside for signing up. Just do it!

Featured Illustration by Austin Banzon