As the summer approaches, there are a number of possible plans for the three and half month period that students are away from classrooms. Vacationing in an exotic location, relaxing with friends, and settling into a routine of frivolousness are perhaps the most common options. Below are some suggestions for a more fruitful summer.

Take a summer class: This is perchance the most unpopular option but it is worth it, particularly if students wish to complete their degree ahead of time or just to stay on schedule. The usually seven week course may be slightly more challenging because there is more to learn in a shorter period of time compared to a fall or spring schedule, but students will keep their brains working and more prepared for the fall semester.

Master the old: Cramming -- studying a bulk of information and storing it in short term memory to be reproduced on an exam -- is a very common practice among students. But since this is stored in the short term memory, the information is soon forgotten. Reviewing material that was covered in pervious classes allows students to master ideas and build on this foundation in the upcoming semester. Since students register for classes in months in advance, one suggestion is to search for information related to the courses to better prepare for the semester.

Read something: Reading never hurt anyone and can be a way to get connected to the global community. Whether reading fiction or nonfiction, reading occupies the mind. Reading is also exercise for the brain. According to an article on Oprah.com, "parts of the brain that have evolved for other functions-such as vision, language, and associative learning-connect in a specific neural circuit for reading, which is very challenging," says Ken Pugh, PhD, president and director of research of Haskins

Volunteer: "Engaging in volunteer work and externshipsBraithwaite

Get an internship: Cindy Pereira, senior English major, suggests applying for internships that are related to one's major to gain experience as well as help students to decide if that field is for them.

Get a job: Junior communication major, Stephanie Alexander, advises students to seek employment to get work experience and earn money that may be used to cover expenses for past and future semesters.

Breathe: After all that work, take some time to recover. One's mental health is just as important as their physical health. Students should spend time focusing on themselves, rethinking goals, and find ways to enjoy their time away from school