Learning is the key that unlocks endless possibilities.

The sun is out, flowers are blooming and everyone seems to have an iced coffee in hand. While most students are swapping textbooks for beach towels, a determined few are doing the opposite—heading back to class. Yep, we’re talking about summer school, the thing that sounds like a punishment but is actually a smart move.

At Humber Polytechnic, a surprising number of students are choosing to spend their June mornings in lectures and afternoons trying to finish assignments before their next iced latte melts. 

So what’s it really like doing school when the rest of the world is on vacation?

I talked to some Humber students who are hitting the books this summer to find out how they’re juggling class, city life and the strong temptation to just relax and do absolutely nothing. 

School work and side hustles

I spoke to Sukharsh Singh, a business administration student, who seems to manage summer classes well.

“It’s actually been way more chill than I expected. I can plan my own schedule, complete assignments on time and still enjoy the summer,” Singh said.

After classes, Singh is out doing Uber Eats deliveries. “It’s a nice way to get outside, make some money and discover good food spots,” he said.

He still makes time for fun, too—going cycling with friends and taking short trips to Niagara Falls.

Of course, staying on track takes effort. Singh often completes his assignments in his free time while sitting in the park and sometimes studies in his car while he’s waiting for Uber orders.

He also enjoys sitting by the shore of Lake Ontario with friends, soaking in the view since it’s just steps away from campus.

For now, he’s found a rhythm that works—balancing school, work and summer adventures one day at a time.

Study sessions, hangouts and home cooking

For Ashnoor Bhullar, a bachelor’s in finance student, summer isn’t exactly a break—it’s more like a balancing act. Between online classes, a part-time job and trying to keep up with friends, her days are pretty packed.

“My calendar is basically color-coded chaos. I’m in class in the morning, then go to my sales job in the afternoon and try to get assignments done whenever I can. It’s a lot to juggle,” Bhullar said.

Even with everything going on, Bhullar has figured out a way to manage it all. Her essentials include Google Calendar, good coffee and friends who are happy to turn hangouts into study sessions.

Sometimes they meet up at a café or sit together in the park with their laptops, getting their work done while catching up on each other’s lives.

There are also the occasional night stays at a friend’s place, lazy mornings after late-night chats and moments that help everything feel a bit more manageable.

When she gets a little breathing room, she turns to cooking. “My mom sends me recipes—usually in the form of a quick voice note or a photo of scribbled instructions. I love that. It feels like a piece of home,” Bhullar said.

A summer of focus and fun

I spoke with Vane Perez, a healthcare management student, who’s still making the daily commute to campus but she doesn’t mind it.

“Campus is so empty it feels like I’m in a movie about being the last person alive,” Perez said, laughing.

With no noise, no crowds and always getting the best seat in the library, Perez says it almost feels like her own peaceful hideaway. “School in summer moves fast. With fewer distractions, I can really concentrate during lectures and get my work done efficiently,” she explained.

When she’s not studying, she’s out making the most of Toronto’s quieter summer charm—taking long walks through High Park, sipping matcha or checking out the tiny farmers’ market near Kipling.

Her approach? Pay attention in class and get as much work done as possible, then enjoy the rest of the day guilt-free. “And when I need a break, I just watch TikToks of people still battling through regular semesters,” she said.

Later this summer, she’s got something to look forward to: a short trip to Montreal with her boyfriend. “It’s nice having something fun on the calendar as it keeps me going when I’m knee-deep in assignments,” Perez mentioned.

It’s a calm, focused summer for Perez with study sessions, matcha breaks and just enough adventure to keep things exciting.

Mastering the art of balance

If there’s one thing students seem to be figuring out this summer, it’s how to keep things balanced. Summer school doesn’t mean being stuck inside while everyone else is out having fun—it just means getting a little creative.

Study sessions happen at sunny cafés, assignments get done in cozy park corners and even group projects turn into excuses to meet up on a patio. It’s not about missing out on summer—it’s about making it work your way.

Students are blending the hustle with downtime, treating mornings like work hours and keeping evenings open for beach trips, ice cream runs or just unplugging with a playlist and a long walk. The key? Flexibility.

With more courses online or in short formats, there’s room to stay on track and still soak up the season. Because honestly, finishing an assignment and catching golden hour? That’s a summer win.

The perfect mix of productivity and fun

So, is summer school a total buzzkill? Not at all. You might miss out on some lazy afternoons by the pool or last-minute road trips, but what you gain is worth it—momentum, flexibility and the feeling of being a step ahead.

Plus, when your study sessions take place in a cozy coffee shop, your lunch break happens in a sunny park and your commute means weaving through cyclists along the Lakeshore Trail, summer school stops feeling like a chore and starts to feel like a smart choice.

Whether you’re catching up, getting ahead, or just trying to stay productive while still soaking in the city’s best season, one thing’s clear: summer school isn’t boring—it’s just a different kind of adventure. 

And don’t forget, IGNITE offices will be open to provide you with the support you need during summer school!

So, put on your sunglasses and make the most of your time!

Feature image courtesy of Danielle-Claude Bélanger via Unsplash

Unaware about on-campus resources? Check out how to make the most out of your summer on campus!

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