March 14, 2017
Daryn Vlad
I know what you’re thinking.
Waking up at 8 a.m. on a Saturday to spend four hours in class sounds like a terrible idea.
But even with the early hours and long classes, Weekend University has its perks.
If your week days are one to-do list after another, or you work a full-time job during the week, then you might find Saturday classes worth considering as a convenient way to earn your credits.
For many students, they free up a weekday or two and allow more time for work during the week.
For one, the courses don’t start until three weeks into the semester. This timeline gives students a chance to warm up to a new semester and get comfortable in the rest of their classes.
Students also have a few extra weeks to purchase required textbooks for their weekend courses, so it helps break up those bookstore payments.
The classes are condensed into 10 weeks, unlike typical courses, which are 16 weeks long. Because they are condensed, the courses require focus, dedication and excellent attendance.
If you miss one of the 10 weeks, you may have some catching up to do. It also means that by the time finals roll around, your weekend class is long gone and out of the way so you can focus on the rest of your studies.
Many students choose weekend courses because they are more affordable, childcare is more available and they work full-time jobs during the week, among other reasons, according to a survey done through a community college in Eugene, Ore.
Sometimes students in weekend classes are further along in their college careers, which can result in a highly dedicated and productive learning environment.
Saturday classes typically have small and inviting class sizes, too. In my experience, the professors are more relaxed in weekend courses, and students feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas in the intimate class sizes.
I’ve also had professors who brought doughnuts every Saturday. I’d be lying if I said that didn’t help motivate me get out of bed on chilly Saturday mornings.
Weekend University students also get to avoid the hassle of parking. Parking on campus is free on Fridays after 4 p.m. and on the weekends.
In other words, you don’t have to worry about being late to class because you spent 20 minutes searching for a place to park.
As someone who has to leave home an hour before the start of class to catch the shuttle, I have really come to appreciate Weekend University for this reason.
Sanatorium Grounds also has you covered if you’re missing an extra hour of sleep on Saturday morning. The coffee shops are open across campus from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Campus is peaceful on the weekends. It’s a much different atmosphere from the usual hustle and bustle during the week. It’s also guaranteed that your favorite spot in the library will be free, if you choose to study after class.
These classes are a great advantage to students who want to make the most of their time. UCCS offers up to 50 Weekend University courses each semester; I would encourage you to give it a try next semester.
Grab a coffee and some brain food and use your weekends to your advantage. You’ll thank yourself later.