with your DJ, Tamarah Humphreys
Being a Student Leader living and working at a college or university during the Summer term is a unique time to be on campus. Unique parts of the Summer Student Staff Member experience can include: different work tasks, a different team than in the past, a different supervisor, and oftentimes the student population is different from the population that were on campus during the Fall and Spring Terms. In my experience, campuses tend to get really quiet in the summer (with the exception of a chorus of construction work that tends to happen because there are fewer people around). As a student leader in housing, you may be busy in the building/buildings that summer housing is hosted in and feel like there is nobody on campus when you travel over to other parts of campus, like the library or dining hall (if it’s even open). It almost feels a little eerie at times with how quiet campus can become. I like to fill that quiet space with music. As someone who loves listening to tunes, I think it’s a fun and powerful tool that helps set the tone for the day and shift you into a positive mindset. Whether you’re sitting at a lonely front desk, checking on empty rooms, taking a stroll around campus, or something else—this playlist is for you.
How do you handle being a summer student staff member in housing? Time to put on your headphones and press play on your summer staff leader playlist!
Find the Playlist here: The Summer Student Leader Playlist
Build Community with those around you!
Songs on the playlist: “We’re All in This Together”-High School Musical; “Summer”-Calvin Harris
Why? It’s an opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and connect with the residents in summer housing having a similar experience to you, living on campus in the Summer. You’re all in this together!
Focus on your “why”
Songs on the playlist: “Why” -Sabrina Carpenter; “Why Not” -Hilary Duff
Why? Everyone has different reasons for deciding to be on campus in the Summer. Focus on what led you to choose to be on campus for the summer and embrace it. Common reasons are things like financial need, a good opportunity that comes with housing, and a chance to work on your leadership skills. Maybe you just said “Why not?” and had no good reason not to fill this summer role! Whatever the reason, focus on your “why” if things feel tough.
Spend time on your hobbies.
Song on the playlist: “Pursuit of Happiness”- Kid Cudi, MGMT, Ratatat
Why? During the school year it can be hard to find time to do all the things you enjoy. Summer might bring unexpected down time. Take advantage of it by exploring a hobby: painting, writing, cooking, listening to music—you name it. Hobbies are more than a way to pass time; they can boost your mental health and help you rediscover joy.
Move your body and free your mind!
Songs on the playlist: “Take a Walk”- Passion Pit; “Shut Up and Dance”- WALK THE MOON; “Summer Sweat”- Hannah Cohen; “Better When I’m Dancin’”- Meghan Trainor
Why? Moving your body is not just a good way to take care of your body, but also a tool to care for your mental health. It can help reduce fatigue, decrease your stress, and boost your mood. So, instead of just sitting at the front desk and then sitting in your room, go take a walk, dance around, or hit the campus gym!
Make your space feel like home.
Songs on the playlist: “APT.”- ROSE and Bruno Mars; “Home”-Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Why? Living in a space that feels good to you makes you feel good! Yes, taking time to set up a space that you will only be in for a few months might feel silly to some, but when all is said and done, you get to live in a space that you enjoy. When my space is a mess, I’m a mess. Your space is like a manifestation of you. This is your summer home!
Take Summer courses (or Don’t!)
Song on the playlist: “The Climb”-Miley Cyrus
Why take a summer course? There are many reasons why this may be the path you choose. Some live-on summer student leader roles are slow and don’t require much effort, but yet, you’re compensated with a place to live on campus. If you’re on campus, it might make sense to take a summer class to set yourself up for success! Not sure? Talk to your academic advisor. And if you’re looking for some study music, this playlist might not be it– perhaps some lofi beats instead?
Song on the playlist: “Dog Days Are Over”- Florence and The Machine
Why avoid taking a summer course? Maybe you have enough to do this summer already, you are avoiding burnout, you don’t need the credits, or you just need a break from school for a moment to help you feel refreshed. These are all valid reasons to choose not to take summer classes! At the end of the day, only you know what you really need to be successful and all the advice and guidance in the world doesn’t have the ability to speak for what you need or what you can truly handle. Right now, the dog days are over and you determined it was best that you don’t take Summer courses.
Embrace that you’re working on campus!
Songs on the playlist: “Supermodel (You Better Work)” -RuPaul; “Work- Charlotte Day Wilson” “Work-Rihanna”
Why? Sometimes you just gotta work. The reality of living in a capitalist society is that life sometimes requires working. Though some of your peers may have the privilege of not needing to work, that privilege is not something we all get to enjoy. There’s also privilege in being selected to serve as a Summer student leader. Some of your peers likely need a Summer job to make it through, but haven’t been able to secure an opportunity. Celebrate that you get to work during this short semester. You were selected for this job for a reason!
Acknowledge that this gig isn’t long term.
Songs on the playlist: “Cruel Summer”-Taylor Swift; “Cool for the summer”- Demi Lovato;
Why? Maybe this job is just cool for the summer. You may have taken a summer staff role out of necessity, after all, there is a reason to work other than love of the work (although it’s an added bonus if you love your job!) If you find that the job isn’t quite what you expected, try to focus on the reality of the situation: This job is short-term. It’s just for the summer. The summer for many is a time to relax, while for others, it’s a time to work. Maybe you decided to do this job because it came with housing provided, because you thought it would be fun, or because you wanted to keep working on your leadership skills. Whatever the reason, remember that it isn’t a long term gig.
Bonus tracks: “Missing June” -Miki Ratsula; “July (feat. Leon Bridges)”-Noah Cyrus; “august”-Taylor Swift; “September”- Earth, Wind, and Fire- August will slip by like a moment in time. By September you’ll only be able to say that you remember summer, it will be over so fast. You’ll be missing June and July before you know it.
Working as a student leader in the Summer is different. You have the chance to slow down, reflect, and connect with campus in a new way. Whether you’re vibing in your room or walking across campus to some beats, let this playlist keep you company.
Press play and dance through your Summer as a live-in student leader!
