Do Colleges Have Summer Break? 15 Things Students Should Do This Summer

Are you wondering if all colleges have a summer break? Well, you’re in the right place!

As a recent college graduate, I know firsthand whether or not college students have a summer break. However, the answer isn’t exactly straight forward!

Which raises the question…

Do Colleges Have Summer Break?

Yes, all colleges have a summer break. Generally, summer break lasts for between two to three months. In college, summer break begins in late May or early June and ends at the end of August. During the summer break, college students are not required to participate in academic activities or take classes.

How Long is Summer Break for Most Colleges?

For most colleges, summer break begins at the end of may or early June and it ends towards the end of August. During this time, students are not required to take classes or partake in academic activities. However, college students have the option of taking summer classes over the summer break.

In this post, I share the 8 things college students should do this summer. Additionally, I answer the common questions about summer break for college students.

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Do You Get a Break if You Take Summer Classes?

Yes, college students still get a break if they take summer classes. Typically, summer classes in college only last for 6 weeks. This means that students still get a few weeks to relax, work, and prepare for the next semester. By taking a summer class, college students will earn credits more quickly, which makes them graduate faster.

Do College Students Go Home for the Summer?

Yes, college students go home for the summer. Typically, the college or university sets a hard deadline for students to remove their property from their dorm room. College students will return to their family homes for the summer break. In most cases, students will travel, work, or get an internship near their home.

15 Things College Students Should Do in the Summer

Here are the 15 things college students can do over the summer!

1. Get a Job

During the academic year, it can be a real challenge for students to work a job. However, the summer is a great time to get a job and gain valuable experience.

Some students will work at summer camps, retail jobs, or restaurants throughout the summer. Getting a full-time job over the summer is a great way to explore new interests while earning money.

By working a summer job, you will get the chance to explore different career options to get a better idea of what you want to do after college.

2. Get an Internship

During the spring semester, it’s a good idea for college students to look for internship opportunities over the summer. Internships are a great way to stay busy over the summer and gain work experience before going back to school in late August.

You can apply for internship opportunities, on Indeed or, you can contact your college career center for some advice.

3. Take Summer Classes

There is an optional summer semester in college where students can earn credits to graduate faster. Many students will take summer classes because it’s a good way to earn credits and keeps them busy over the summer vacation.

Most colleges offer online courses over the summer so that students can take summer classes from the comfort of their own homes. Another benefit to the summer sessions is that they are only for around 7 to 8 weeks.

So once a student is done with their summer class, they will still have a few weeks to enjoy summer vacation.

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4. Volunteer

If you’re trying to make good use of your free time over the summer, you can always volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to build up your resume and give back to your community.

When you volunteer, you will experience personal growth, develop leadership skills and meet new people. You can contact your local organizations or your college administration if you’re looking for volunteer opportunities.

5. Travel With Friends

In college, the summer months are a great opportunity for students to take advantage of some much-needed vacation time. The summer holidays are the best time to travel while you’re in college since you have the time off anyways.

As a college student on a budget, it can be hard to pay for a big trip. However, traveling with friends is a great way to travel in college while spending less money.

Traveling with a group of friends is a great time and the perfect opportunity to see the world while making lifelong memories.

6. Learn a New Sport

The summer break is the perfect time to learn a new sport. Sports like golf, soccer, pickleball, and tennis are easy to pick up and are not expensive to start.

Playing sports is a great way to stay active over the summer, make new friends, and learn new skills. Many college and high school students will join sports leagues to stay busy over the summer.

When it comes to summer activities, playing sports is a great option.

7. Try A New Hobby

The summer is an excellent time to try a new hobby and learn practical skills. Whether it’s cooking, photography, or coding, the summer is a great time to pick up a new hobby.

Trying a new hobby is a great opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Hobbies allow college students to step outside their comfort zones, challenge themselves, and uncover hidden talents or passions they may not have known they had.

Additionally, engaging in a new hobby can be a refreshing escape from academic pressures and stress.

8. Learn a New Language

Use the summer to learn a new language or improve your language skills, which can benefit future career opportunities. As a bilingual speaker, speaking a second language comes in handy very often and is an asset many companies value.

Nowadays, learning a new language is more accessible than ever. There are so many websites that make learning a language simple. You may want to add learning a language to your summer bucket list.

9. Study Abroad

Many colleges and universities have summer programs where students can study abroad. This is a great opportunity to earn college credit over the summer and to meet international students.

If you want to experience a new culture, meet new people, and make long-lasting memories, consider studying abroad over the summer.

10. Prepare for Next Semester

Preparing over the summer is a smart and proactive choice for college students, as it sets the foundation for a successful and less stressful academic year ahead.

Taking the time to prepare during the summer break allows students to review and reinforce their existing knowledge, which will be useful during the fall semester.

11. Freelance

Explore freelancing opportunities in your area of expertise to earn extra income and gain professional experience. When it comes to freelancing, many people like to hire college students.

Being your own boss certainly has its benefits! As a freelancer, you can earn money and make your schedule.

12. Read Books

Your college breaks are a great time to try and get some reading done. Whether it’s a book that teaches you something new or keeps you entertained, reading over the summer is a good idea.

Throughout college, I would read at least three books over the summer. This would keep my mind active and was a great way to learn new things.

Here are some summer reading book recommendations for college students:

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

13. Network

Summer vacation is a good time to attend networking events or connect with professionals in your desired career field. Networking is a great way to build relationships and expand your connections.

As a college student, it can be easy to get caught up in college life. However, once you step away from the college campus, it’s essential to make the most out of your time.

Networking can lead to amazing opportunities. So over the summer, try to meet new people and expand your network.

14. Try An Outdoor Adventure

Embrace the great outdoors by going on hiking trips, camping, or engaging in water sports and other outdoor activities. Going on an outdoor adventure is an enjoyable experience and a fun activity.

If you’re looking for to try something new, consider going on an outdoor adventure before the school year starts again!

15. Take Time For Yourself

Allow yourself time to unwind, relax, and recharge before the fall term begins. The last thing you want is to return back to campus and feel overworked.

As a college student, it can feel like you always have to be doing something during the summer break. However, there is nothing wrong with taking time for yourself and relaxing.

Do Canadian Colleges Have Summer Break?

Yes, Canadian colleges and universities have a summer break. Typically, summer break for Canadian colleges begins at the end of May, and the Fall semester begins around the third week of August. However, some students choose to take summer courses over the summer break.

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Final Thoughts On Do Colleges Have Summer Break

Making the most out of summer break is super important for college students. Whether it’s working a job, preparing for the next semester, or studying abroad, the summer break is a good time to invest in youtself.

In this post, I shared if colleges have summer break and the 15 things college students should do during summer vacation.