Is Our Summer Break Too Early? Or Too Late?

Amy Valentine

Online Editor

During this point in the spring semester, many of us students begin to excitedly anticipate summer break nearing closer every day. Whether you are taking a summer course, relaxing at the beach, or simply staying at home, the break allows for students to use their freedom for whatever pursuits they please. Yet, some find that our university’s beginning and end of summer break is too early for their liking.

Personally, I enjoy how early our break starts and ends. With the spring semester’s last day of undergraduate final exams taking place on May 12th, it allows for me to enjoy the beautiful spring weather Massachusetts has to offer before it gets too humid and dry.

Along with this, students are given the advantage to start their vacations earlier than most. For example, after I finished up my sophomore year, I had the opportunity to go to Walt Disney World the first week in May. The crowds were lessened immensely compared to the times I’ve been in July or November, which made the vacation a lot more enjoyable!

However, I can also understand the perspectives of students who find the break to take place too early. It can be displeasing when the fall semester starts during the last week of August whilst knowing that some students from other universities will continue to enjoy their breaks until mid-September.

Adding to this con for many students regarding the early start, it can be hard for some to work productively among the sunshine and bright foliage on campus. After all, there’s a reason we chose to study in Massachusetts instead of Florida!

As I see it, the early end of summer break is more of a benefit for my productivity rather than a detriment. Because we start so early, it helps me become motivated in my academics due to the fact that I know that winter break will also start earlier as well. The warm weather also boosts my mood, giving me a positive outlook for the upcoming fall semester.

To answer the question of if summer break starts and ends too early, it truly depends on the individual. Even though I find the timing of summer break to be favorable, everyone is different. While I enjoy using my free time during early May, someone else might completely disagree, wanting to make the most of their time during late August for their own personal reasons.

However, if you ask me, the advantages of having an early summer break outweighs the cons by a long shot!