Student Success Planner

The summer break offers a valuable opportunity for UMass Amherst students to pursue personal and professional development alongside much-needed rest. Thoughtful planning can help you make the most of this time. Here are actionable steps to consider as you organize your summer:

Define Your Summer Objectives:

Begin by clearly outlining what you hope to achieve during the break. Consider both your goals for productivity and your need for rest and rejuvenation.

➡️ Productivity Goals: Identify specific tasks or projects you wish to accomplish. This could include internships, summer coursework, research opportunities, skill development (e.g., online courses, coding practice), or personal projects.

➡️ Rest and Well-being Goals: Determine how you plan to relax and recharge. This might involve spending time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies, engaging in physical activity, or simply allowing for unstructured downtime.

✅ Action Step: Create a written list of your primary productivity and rest-related objectives for the summer.

Assess Your Time and Resources:

Evaluate the amount of time you have available during the summer and any resources that might support your objectives (e.g., financial resources, access to transportation, relevant contacts).

➡️ Time Allocation: Consider the duration of your summer break and any pre-existing commitments (e.g., travel, family obligations).

➡️ Resource Identification: Determine what resources you will need to achieve your goals, such as funding for courses or travel, equipment for projects, or access to specific facilities.

✅ Action Step: Map out your summer timeline, noting any fixed commitments. Identify the resources you will need to support your planned activities.

Structure Your Summer Schedule:

Develop a basic framework for how you will allocate your time. This doesn't require a rigid daily schedule, but rather a general plan for different blocks of time.

➡️ Dedicated Work/Study Blocks: If you have specific productivity goals, schedule dedicated time slots for working on these tasks. Treat these blocks with the same importance as academic commitments during the semester.

➡️ Allocated Rest and Leisure Time: Intentionally set aside time for relaxation and activities you enjoy. This ensures that rest is a planned part of your summer, not just something you get to if time allows.

➡️ Flexibility: Build in some flexibility to accommodate unexpected opportunities or the need for adjustments to your schedule.

✅ Action Step: Create a weekly or monthly overview that blocks out time for your key productivity goals and planned rest activities.

Implement and Monitor Your Plan:

Once you have a basic schedule, put it into action. Regularly check in with your plan to ensure you are making progress and that it continues to meet your needs.

➡️ Regular Review: Periodically review your schedule and your progress towards your objectives. Are you allocating your time effectively? Are you feeling both productive and sufficiently rested?

➡️ Make Adjustments: Be prepared to modify your plan as needed. If an opportunity arises or you find that your initial schedule is not working, don't hesitate to make changes.

➡️ Track Progress (Optional): For productivity goals, consider tracking your progress to stay motivated and ensure you are on track to meet your objectives.

✅ Action Step: Schedule a brief weekly check-in to review your summer plan and make any necessary adjustments.

Prioritize Well-being:

Remember that the summer break is also an important time to focus on your overall well-being.

➡️ Maintain Healthy Habits: Strive to maintain a regular sleep schedule, eat nutritious meals, and engage in physical activity.

➡️ Stay Connected: Make time to connect with friends and family. Social interaction is important for well-being.

➡️ Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that help you relax and reduce stress.

✅ Action Step: Identify specific ways you will prioritize your physical and mental well-being throughout the summer and incorporate them into your plan.

By taking a structured approach to planning your summer, UMass Amherst students can ensure a break that is both productive in terms of personal and professional growth and restful in terms of rejuvenation and well-being. We encourage you to think intentionally about your goals and create a plan that supports a successful and fulfilling summer.