Summer Plan in the Winter
Even though it’s the middle of the winter and it is cold with snow on the ground for many of you, there has never been a better time to plan for the summer. Whether you want to pursue an internship, travel, go on a camping trip, or something else entirely, there are many ways to start preparing your your summer right now in the winter and in the following months and few weeks to come so that you can achieve your summer goals.
January
If you’re pursuing an internship…
According to The Muse, January is all about getting organized. This is the time to start determining what type of internship you’d like to pursue (paid, for credit, remote, in office, etc.) and searching for internship opportunities.
There are many ways to find internships, such as a simple Google search, visiting your university’s career office, or through your professors.
Once you have found internships that you’d like to apply to, it’s a good idea to create a document or a spreadsheet to keep track of all of them.
Finally, before you start applying for internships, make sure all the materials you need for your internship are up to date and free of errors. This means making sure that your resume is current, or making sure you have enough clips or samples of your work.
SEE: How to Land Your Dream Internship (From The Other Side of the Career Center)
If you’re looking for a summer job…
January is the perfect time to start looking for work. Many places like to have all of their hiring done by Spring Break, so when college students are at home, they can go ahead and complete all the orientation and paperwork.
Try job boards, such as Indeed and Snagajob, searching with the keyword “summer job” or “seasonal work”.
If you want to take summer classes…
January is when you should be thinking about taking summer classes. Take a look at your current weekly schedule and what other classes you still need to complete your degree.
SEE: 10 Tips to Choose the Right College Classes
February
If you’re pursuing an internship…
February is all about applying. Turn in your internship application at least a week or two before the actual deadline, just in case there happened to be an error, or the company didn’t receive all of your materials.
If you’re looking at an internship out of your town or state, especially in a highly populated place like New York City or Los Angeles, this would also be the time to check into intern housing. While many colleges and universities do offer summer housing, it often fills up fast.
If you’re looking for a summer job…
It’s fine to continue to apply for summer jobs in February. While you’re still looking for a job, make sure that your resume is still polished and your references are up to date.
If you want to take summer classes…
In February, you should have a good idea of how well you’re currently doing in your classes. It’s important to keep track of your grades in this month and the following months, because if you end up not doing so well, a class that you’re currently in might end up being a class you have to take in the summer.
SEE: 7 Effortless Ways To Get Better Grades
Keep pushing through your schoolwork. The real planning begins in March.
March
If you’re pursuing an internship…
By March, you’ve hopefully received emails and phone calls from places that you have applied to, inviting you for an interview. Make sure you reply promptly to these emails and phone calls, as they’re likely watching to see how quickly you respond.
Sometimes, you might have been interviewed and been accepted to be an intern sometime in late January, on in February. If that’s the case, March is typically the month you have to send them your decision on whether or not you would like to be an intern. Make sure you keep up with the dates that each internship needs a response from you.
Also, if you have not gotten any responses from any internships yet, don’t fret! There’s still time to apply to more places, but you might have to compromise on the type of internship you wish to pursue.
This would also be the month to confirm housing because after this month, prices usually go up for the places that still have space available.
SEE: 4 Tips for a Better Interview & What to Say and What NOT to Say During an Interview
If you’re looking for a summer job…
In early March, you should begin to hear back from at least a few places that you have applied to. If you are unable to travel home for in person interviews, make sure you let the job know, so they can either postpone the interview until you are able to make it home, or they can set up some other way to interview you (i.e. phone or video chat).
If you have yet to hear back from some place, it might be a good idea to take a trip back home and visit each place that you have applied to in person. It’s a definite plus to the employer seeing a potential employee face to face rather than just their information through a computer monitor.
If you want to take summer classes…
In March, you should be beginning to register for fall classes. This is also the time you would begin to register for summer classes as well. When you do to talk to your advisor, make sure to ask them questions regarding classes.
Also, see if you have any remaining financial aid that can be put towards your summer classes and other fees.
April
If you’re pursuing an internship…
April is the decision month! You should have all of your decisions by now and are ready to choose which company you’d like to spend your summer with.
If you’ve already chosen a place, this is the month that the company is likely going to send you payroll information (if your internship is paid) and other pre-internship paperwork. This is also the month that your housing should be finalized. Contracts should be signed and you should be all ready for moving in.
If you’re looking for a summer job…
By April, you should have luckily sealed the deal with a place of your choosing. This month, the employer will likely be sending you information and paperwork to fill out, so you’re ready for your first day when you arrive back home from college.
If you haven’t found a job by April, you’re probably better off waiting until you get back home in order to see what kind of jobs are available near you and applying in person once you get home.
If you want to take summer classes…
In April, if you have not already registered for your classes, you would do so this month. If you have, however, now would be the time to find people who are currently in the classes you have signed up for and see how they like it, or what the coursework load is.
You could even get started on getting the textbooks for your classes.
May
If you’re pursuing an internship…
May is the month of finalizing. Your employer will likely be sending you information about when your first day is, what to expect and bring and more.
If you unfortunately were not able to secure an internship, it’s not the end of the road. There are plenty of opportunities to work in your field without an internship, such as volunteering or job shadowing. Take this summer to get a job or volunteer at some place to help pad up your resume and make it even more enticing for next summer.
If you’re looking for a summer job…
In May, you’ll be beginning your summer job. Congrats on getting hired! If you were unable to find a job, you can always resort to ordinary neighborhood jobs, such as babysitting or dog walking. They might not make as much as a paying job, but it is better than nothing!
You can also try out volunteering in your community. While typically not paid, volunteering can give you good experience working with others and helping out local people in need.
If you want to take summer classes…
By May, you should be preparing to take your summer classes. Whether you’re taking a class that lasts either a term or the entire summer, time management and studying is still as important as during the normal school term.
Of course, there are many other things to do in the summer besides getting an internship, a job, or taking summer classes. You can volunteer, study abroad, or even travel! It’s up to you to enjoy your summer the way you’d like.
The Perks of Starting Early to Plan for Summer Vacation as a College Student During the Winter
As the winter months settle in, many college students are busy with midterms, projects, and exams. However, the long stretch of a slower summer vacation often feels like a distant horizon—an opportunity to have free time, relax, travel, work, or engage in meaningful experiences that can shape their personal and professional lives. While summer months may seem far away during winter, starting early to plan your summer schedule and free time during it offers numerous advantages. In this analysis, we will explore the benefits of planning for summer vacation ahead of time, including academic, career, personal growth, and financial advantages.
1. Maximizing Internship and Job Opportunities
One of the most compelling reasons to start planning for summer during the winter months is the competitive nature of summer internships, jobs, and other career-building opportunities. Many companies and organizations begin their recruitment process as early as January or February, and application deadlines for prestigious internships often fall during the winter semester. If you get a head start, you can enjoy a slower summer instead of a more stressful one.
By starting early, you give yourself the best chance to secure a position in your desired field. Waiting until the spring to look for summer opportunities can result in fewer options and a more competitive applicant pool. Early planning gives you time to research organizations, tailor your resume and cover letter, and gather the necessary materials (e.g., references, work samples). It also allows you to apply to a wider range of internships or jobs and avoid the stress of scrambling at the last minute.
In addition, planning early gives you the chance to consider alternative opportunities like research projects, volunteer work, or study abroad programs that may require significant lead time to apply for or prepare for. If you plan early, you’ll enjoy a slower summer where you can have more time for fun things like a camping trip instead of one that feels stressful where you feel the need to catch up.
2. Balancing Career Goals with Personal Time
Starting to plan early means you can balance the pursuit of professional opportunities with personal goals. By deciding on your summer priorities in advance, you avoid the trap of over-scheduling or feeling like you have to “fill” every moment with work-related tasks. Early planning allows you to set aside time for activities that contribute to your personal growth, such as hobbies, travel, fitness, or simply relaxation.
If you have particular goals for the summer—like learning a new language, exploring a new city, or completing a creative project—starting early gives you the time and space to align your summer plans with those aspirations. You can also take steps to ensure that you have a healthy balance of professional development and personal well-being, which is crucial for preventing burnout.
3. Securing Housing and Accommodation
For students planning to intern or work in a location far from home, securing housing can be a significant challenge. Starting early allows you to research and lock in accommodation before prices rise or availability becomes limited. Many cities with high demand for summer interns (such as New York, Washington D.C., or Los Angeles) often see rental prices increase significantly as the summer approaches.
In addition, some internship programs or summer jobs may offer housing as part of the package, but these opportunities are often competitive. By planning ahead, you can take advantage of housing stipends or secured housing provided by your employer or university, reducing the stress of finding a place to live and potentially saving money.
4. Financial Planning and Saving
Summer activities, whether they involve traveling, living in a new city, or attending a paid internship, often come with expenses. By planning early, you have more time to build a financial strategy to cover these costs. Starting in the winter gives you several months to save money, whether through part-time jobs, budgeting, or securing financial aid or scholarships.
In addition, planning early allows you to consider cost-effective alternatives or ways to earn money over the summer. For example, if you are interested in a low-paying or unpaid internship, you could look for part-time jobs or freelance opportunities that fit your summer schedule. Planning ahead allows you to assess how much money you will need and come up with a realistic plan to meet your financial goals.
5. Improved Time Management and Less Stress
When you wait until spring to plan for summer, you may find yourself juggling last-minute decisions about where to work, what to do, or how to spend your time. This can lead to stress and the potential for poor decision-making, as you may feel rushed into making choices without fully considering your priorities.
Starting early to plan for summer gives you ample time to evaluate your options and make decisions that align with your long-term goals, whether academic, professional, or personal. It also allows you to create a well-structured summer schedule that accommodates work, rest, and any other activities you may want to pursue. By managing your time effectively early on, you can reduce anxiety and approach your summer with a clear sense of purpose and direction.
6. Building Stronger Professional Relationships
When you begin your summer planning early, you also have more time to network and build relationships that may help you later on. Starting conversations with professors, advisors, or industry professionals in the winter can give you the opportunity to seek out recommendations, mentorship, or connections that can be invaluable when securing internships or job opportunities. Networking early can also help you learn about opportunities before they are widely advertised, giving you a competitive advantage.
Additionally, if you’re planning to apply to competitive programs or positions, starting early gives you the time to gather strong recommendations and references. Professors and mentors are often asked to write letters of recommendation during peak times of the school year, so giving them enough notice is not only respectful, but it also allows them to provide a thoughtful, well-written recommendation that supports your application.
7. More Time for Self-Reflection and Career Exploration
Starting to plan early gives you the time to think about what you want to achieve over the summer, both professionally and personally. Do you want to build specific skills? Gain exposure to a particular industry? Travel to a destination that aligns with your academic interests? The extra time allows you to conduct meaningful self-reflection and career exploration.
Moreover, early planning lets you consider what kinds of experiences align with your long-term goals, whether you’re looking to develop leadership skills, build a portfolio, or broaden your global perspective. By taking a proactive approach, you ensure that your summer activities complement your personal values and career trajectory, which can make your time more fulfilling and meaningful.
8. Better Mental Health and Well-being
Having a plan for summer can also have a positive impact on your mental health. The uncertainty of not knowing how to spend the summer can lead to anxiety and stress. By planning early, you can eliminate that feeling of “drifting” and instead approach the slower summer with a clear sense of purpose. Whether your summer is filled with work, exploration, or rest, knowing that you’ve made thoughtful, intentional decisions can bring peace of mind.
Additionally, planning early allows you to prioritize self-care during the summer months, ensuring that you have time to recharge and relax. This is especially important for students who have had a particularly rigorous school year and need to take time to rest and recover.
Conclusion
Starting to plan for summer during the winter months offers a host of benefits that can make the summer experience more rewarding, fulfilling, and stress-free. From securing internships and housing to balancing personal goals with professional development, early planning allows students to make the most of their summer vacation, so that it feels like a slower summer instead of a stressful one. By taking a proactive approach to summer, students can reduce anxiety, gain valuable experiences, and set themselves up for success in both their academic and personal lives. Whether you are aiming to boost your resume, take a break, or travel the world, starting your summer planning early gives you the time and flexibility to create a summer that truly aligns with your goals.
