Whether you鈥檙e doing a study term as a co-op student, retaking a course or trying to lighten your schedule for next term, spring-summer classes are a smart move鈥攂ut they can be a major focus challenge.
(Meanwhile, if you鈥檙e a master鈥檚 or PhD student, summer means no rest for the wicked...but it doesn鈥檛 have to be all work, no play.)
Here are 11 evidence-based tips and resources to help you stay on track when all you want to do is go outside.
1. Time-block your freedom
Build your schedule around the weather. Wake up early and block off your most productive hours (usually morning) for school鈥攁nd give yourself guilt-free outside time later. Knowing you鈥檝e got a patio hangout booked at 4 p.m. makes that 10 a.m. reading way more bearable. Put in extra study time when it鈥檚 raining!
Pro tip: Time-blocking reduces distractions and decision fatigue, and boosts focus. The Faculty of Science鈥檚 tips on how to make a study schedule are useful for everyone.
2. Use the 鈥90/20鈥 rule, not just pomodoro
Pomodoro, the study technique in which you focus for 25 minutes and then take a five-minute break, is cool, but the 鈥90/20鈥 rule鈥90 minutes of deep focus, 20 minute break鈥攃an help you get into the flow without burning out. Use your break to soak up the sun (iced coffee, backyard chill time or a quick walk).
Pro tip: Did you know our brains can sustain deep focus for around 90 minutes before needing rest?
3. Create a summer study zone
Set up your study space near a window or even on a balcony鈥攕omewhere bright and breezy. Make it feel like summer so you鈥檙e not totally FOMO-ing. Bonus: natural light improves alertness and mood.
Pro tips: Take your laptop or books for a walk. Try studying outside. The Tabaret Lawn is a serene spot on campus, but you can also explore nearby parks. Research suggests that studying in different spots can improve your recall.
4. Treat study like an extra summer job
Approach classes and study time like a part-time job. You show up, do the work and then you鈥檙e off the clock. This mindset shift builds structure and reduces the feeling that you 鈥渟hould be doing more.鈥
Pro tip: For extra focus if you鈥檙e taking online classes, why not come to campus for a day or two a month 鈥渁t the office.鈥 Lock in at one of 91精品黑料吃瓜鈥檚 best study spots. Even three or four focused hours a day can be more than enough when you鈥檙e intentional.
5. Batch the boring stuff
Group similar tasks together鈥攍ike watching all your lecture vids or writing all your forum posts鈥攕o you don鈥檛 waste time switching mental gears. Then knock them out while sipping lemonade or enjoying a latte.
Pro tip: Task batching improves efficiency and reduces cognitive load.
6. Limit doomscrolling with app blockers
TikTok, Insta, YouTube shorts鈥攖hey鈥檙e designed to keep you scrolling. Use app blockers like, or to keep your focus when you sit down to study. They can all be used in French 鈥 just adjust your settings.
Pro tip: Think of it as 鈥渟un protection鈥 for your brain.
7. Use peer pressure (the good kind)
Studying solo in the summer is rough. Create or join a virtual study group (check your faculty for details). You can also book library meetups or hop on Zoom with a friend. When other people are working, you鈥檒l be more likely to stay on task. Testing your knowledge and bouncing ideas off others who are studying the same subject can really help with recall and memorization
Pro tip: Social studying = accountability + less isolation.
8. Put your 鈥榳hy鈥 where you can see it
Whether you鈥檙e retaking a course or hustling to graduate early, remind yourself why you signed up for spring-summer classes. Put it on a sticky note. Use it as your lock screen. Your future self (circa fall 2025 and beyond) will thank you.
馃帗&苍产蝉辫;Pro tip: Motivation tends to fade鈥攙isual reminders help bring it back.
9. Make your breaks intentional (and outdoorsy)
Instead of scrolling between study sessions, use breaks to recharge in the sun. Go for a walk, stretch on the lawn or hit the canal for a brain break. You鈥檒l return more refreshed than if you binge on TikTok.
馃尀&苍产蝉辫;Pro tip: Yes, fresh air really does help your brain function better.
10. Schedule regular exercise in your routine
Your Spring-Summer term fees include access to 91精品黑料吃瓜鈥檚 on-campus fitness facilities, including the Olympic-sized swimming pool. Plus, with fewer students around, they鈥檙e not as busy, allowing you to complete your circuit training faster.
Pro tip: Regular exercise will help you stay focused on your studies and feeling great. Check the recreation facility hours of operation and the swimming pool schedule.
11. Reward yourself often
Finished a module? Celebrate with a popsicle. Aced a quiz? Go read a book outside. Finished your week early? That鈥檚 a long weekend! Build in mini rewards to stay positive and on track.
Pro tip: Science says rewards boost dopamine, which makes you more likely to stay motivated.
You鈥檝e got summer school superpowers
Staying focused during online courses in summer isn鈥檛 easy鈥攂ut it is doable. The key is structure, flexibility and giving yourself grace (and sun). Stay cool! You鈥檙e putting in the work now to make 鈥渇uture you鈥 proud.