by Rachel Gilbert
News Reporter
Summer in Houston. Yes, it's hot. And yes, it's humid. But is it also more relaxing to attend school during the dog days?
It is, some University of Houston students say - they claim summer sessions provide more of a relaxing atmosphere than the fall or spring semesters.
"I am not as stressed out in summer classes," said Eva Elias, a junior communication major. "The classes are more laid back. Nobody really likes to go to school, but in general, you don't feel the same pressure in summer school.
"Parking is a lot easier to deal with in the summer," she added. "The traffic is lighter, so you don't have to leave home as early."
Ed Apodaca, UH associate vice president of enrollment management, said about 11,000 students attend the first half of summer school, while about 6,000 enroll in the second half.
The summer term is divided into four sessions, the first two of which begin a few days after the end of the spring semester.
Apodaca said the number of regular UH students taking summer classes at UH has remained constant over the past couple of years, which means many summer classes are full.
Antonia Wiley, a junior industrial engineering major, said, "I like the fact that, in a few weeks, you can get the course over with. You probably get less work, but that in no way means the classes are easier."
Wiley, who has taken summer classes for three years, agreed with Elias on the transportation side of summer school. "Parking is easier," she said, "but the close spaces are still gone in the summer."
"The biggest disadvantage is that you have less time to bring up your grade," she added. "If you do bad on one test, you are probably in big trouble."
Nicole McZeal, a senior English major, said, "I like summer school because it helps you graduate sooner. The teachers are more lenient and the course work is adequate.
"Summer school at UH is expensive, but it is better than having to transfer hours from another school," she said.
However, Apodaca said students only pay about $120 per unit for summer classes. Students also don't get charged as much for fees in the summer as they do in the fall or spring semesters, which reduces the total cost for summer session, he said.
"Summer school helps out in the long run. It helps lighten the load of the fall and spring semesters," Wiley said.
"Your only break from summer classes is July 4. I do get burned out, but in the end, (the classes help you) graduate on time."