Tuesday movie nights are the way to go
While most people imagine summer as a time to refresh and reset, students taking summer courses know the reality of post-secondary a little differently. Balancing between the fast-paced semester, packed deadlines, while also trying their best to enjoy the warm weather before it disappears again, many students are learning how to balance their summer.
We asked students this semester how they are balancing their summer, and the answers did not disappoint.
Seven weeks and one capstone project with Richard McIntosh
For Richard McIntosh, a final-year Electromechanical Technology student, summer school means navigating the accelerated workload while also completing his capstone project.
“The hardest part of balancing summer school and enjoying summer is completing assignments within seven weeks, instead of 14 weeks,” he said. “The change in timetable has not given any latitude to enjoy summer.”
For McIntosh, when things become overwhelming, he relies on an accountability partner to talk to and occasionally goes to the movies.
Despite his packed schedule, he prioritizes rest whenever possible. When asked what’s keeping him sane this semester, his focus remains on the end goal of submitting all assignments and completing all courses.
His ideal reset? A movie night at the theater with the recent Michael movie making the top of his list.
Hockey and donut runs with Andrew Allan
To describe his summer semester in three words, Andrew Allan said busy, fast and packed. As a third-year Electromechanical Engineering Technology student, Allan finds it challenging to find time for life beyond school.
“The hardest part is balancing deadlines with still wanting to have a life outside of school,” he said.
But even with the intense schedule, Allan makes the conscious effort to continue doing things he enjoys.
“My current survival item this summer is snacks because I’m always grabbing something while working,” he said.
When school becomes stressful, Allan turns to a donut run, and after a long day, his ideal way of recharging is hitting the ice.
“My ideal reset activity after a stressful school day is going to play some hockey, getting my mind off school for a bit and just relaxing with friends afterward.”
Scheduling the time with Christopher Sanchez Aguilera
The second-year Global Business Management student, Christopher Sanchez Aguilera, says that the biggest challenge of summer school is the lack of free time.
“There are many school activities, homework assignments and projects, and not enough time to enjoy the summer,” he said. “When I want to do summer activities on the weekends, sometimes I can’t because I have a deadline for a project or another school assignment.”
So, to maintain balance, Aguilera makes time for activities that help him recharge.
“Working out and finding small amounts of time to do activities I enjoy, like watching series or hanging out with friends.”
His summer essentials are simple. Coca-Cola and iced coffee.
Describing his semester as “Very busy semester,” Aguilera credits his time management skills for helping him stay on top of his game.
“ I try to manage my time more efficiently by prioritizing the closest deadlines and maintaining a very strict schedule of activities to be successful this semester.”
Letting summer do the heavy lifting with Ilya Buryakov
The biggest challenge for Ilya Buryakov, also a second-year Global Business Management student, is deciding how to divide his time.
“You have been waiting for the whole winter and spring for warm days, and now you need to understand how to spend more time outside when you need to be at home and study.”
Like many students, Buryakov has developed a few go-to strategies for managing stress and avoiding burnout throughout the semester.
“I have different methods. Usually helps spending good time on weekends with family and friends, sometimes playing football and computer games,” Buryakov said.
Not to mention, his secret weapon for this semester is his carefully curated playlist.
“I use my special summer playlist to stay calm and happy in most situations.”
And when the days feel stressful, his ideal way to reset is all about relaxation. Sounds perfect.
“Movies or computer games and good sleep”
Powered by graduation motivation with Harshita Sharma
Harshita Sharma, also a second-year Global Business Management student and set to graduate in 2026, described her current reality with a level of honesty many students can relate to.
“Running on zero sleep while juggling classes, work, and travelling like it’s a full-time job.”
When asked what helps her avoid burnout, her answer was equally relatable and hilarious
“Knowing this is my last semester and freedom is near.”
With her finish line in sight and rest activities including “Iced coffee and fresh air while staring dramatically into the distance,” Sharma is ready to make the most out of her summer.
Finding ways to recharge
Despite the differences in schedules, coping strategies and programs, these students have the shared experience of balancing the semester while also making the most of their summer.
Whether it be a Coca-Cola in the morning or movies at night, students are discovering their own ways to avoid burnout. It’s all about finding small moments of rest and joy in the middle of a very busy semester.
Feature photo by Lubna Patel
Summer resolutions? How to create a summer resolution.
Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for all things student life.
