The transition to college life instigates a drastic change in students’ academic lives, but it also impacts their summer. While the warmest months used to hold a carefree mindset throughout childhood, there is now pressure to prepare for a career when not in school.

As a result, students feel inclined to partake in internships or a major-related job, or volunteer work. Consequently, students get caught up in the cycle of checking LinkedIn, utilizing connections and comparing options with peers. For underclassmen, however, there are multiple ways in which students can be productive without an internship.

Although there are various benefits to internship participation, they are not necessary for underclassmen. “While it’s a given that the summer after junior year is dedicated to finding a killer internship that might lead to a full-time job come graduation, there’s no definitive ruling as to how to spend those first two summers,” a USA Today article reads. So yes, a junior year internship is an expectation, but the prior two summers can be more personalized.

Underclassmen can spend the summer working on their mental health. By the end of freshman year, students are emotionally and physically exhausted. In the Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement, 53% of first-year students entering college in fall 2021 reported substantial increases in mental and emotional exhaustion, Inside Higher Ed reported. While the transition to college brings about rampant stress, summer is an excellent time to recuperate.

Students can also spend this time with friends and family in their hometown. While this may seem minimal, spending time in a place with people of comfort remains beneficial to one’s mental health. Leisurely activities may include a family movie night or getting ice cream with friends. According to Piedmont, a Carnegie Mellon University study found that using family and friends as a “stress buffer” helps avoid negative coping tactics such as excessive drinking and smoking.

Students can use the summer to access other mental health resources as well. It becomes challenging to allot time for assistance during the hectic academic year. With options such as weekly therapy, though, students can come back to campus in the fall rejuvenated.

On another note, working a job is an excellent use of time. While it provides a source of income, it also teaches valuable life lessons. Students can learn time-management, organization, and communication skills, as well as how to work on a team. According to Web MD, they can also take those skills and apply them to future experiences. The underclassman age is a valuable time where students can work jobs that differ from their desired occupation.

Lastly, summer can be a time to take academic courses. This approach to summer is incredibly efficient. Students can receive credits that allow for an easier upcoming semester and next few years. SU freshman Anny Poltinnikov is taking a math course this summer to set herself up for success the following year. “It allows me to get some credits out of the way while still being home and spending time with friends and family,” she said.

Syracuse University even provides exceptional opportunities for students to take courses abroad. These programs go for various weeks and allow students to explore other countries with fellow SU students. While internships continue to be a mainstream conversation, underclassmen should not stress. By working a job, focusing on their mental health and taking courses, students can be productive in other ways this summer.

Hannah Karlin is a freshman English major. Her column appears biweekly. She can be reached at hekarlin@syr.edu.

Published on April 25, 2022 at 9:47 pm