10 ways a summer school gives you a taste of university life
Leaving home to go to university is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel daunting. You may be wondering what it is really like to study a subject you love in greater depth, how university learning differs from school, and whether it will be easy to make friends. A summer school is a fun and rewarding way to explore all of this in advance. It is a short academic course taken during the school holidays, and it offers a realistic preview of undergraduate life. Here are eight ways a summer school can help you prepare for what lies ahead.
1. Study your subject at a higher academic level
University study goes far beyond school lessons. While school often focuses on covering a wide range of topics, undergraduate study prioritises depth, analysis, and independent thinking. You are expected to engage with complex ideas and explore how your subject applies in real-world contexts.
A high-quality academic summer school introduces you to this style of learning early. You will encounter new concepts, challenge your assumptions, and begin thinking like an undergraduate before you even start university.
2. Build essential academic skills
Critical thinking, clear reasoning, and confident communication are at the heart of university study. On a summer programme, you will practise these skills through small-group discussions, debates, and collaborative tasks.
You will learn how to express your ideas clearly, listen to opposing viewpoints, and contribute thoughtfully to academic conversations. These skills are vital not only for undergraduate success, but also for future careers where teamwork and communication matter.
3. Experience academic independence
At university, you are responsible for managing your own learning. This includes planning your time, completing independent reading, and meeting deadlines without constant supervision.
A summer school introduces this independence gradually. You may be given a research task or project alongside guided reading and preparation for presentations or debates. This helps you build confidence in managing your workload and taking ownership of your progress.
4. Learn from expert tutors
One of the most exciting aspects of university life is learning from subject experts. These are academics and professionals who are deeply engaged in their field, and sometimes even write the textbooks.
Summer schools mirror this experience. Teaching is often delivered by highly qualified academics, postgraduate researchers, or professionals with real-world expertise. Small class sizes mean you have more opportunities to ask questions, explore ideas, and engage in meaningful discussion, just as you would at university.
5. Live away from home
Living away from home is a major part of the university experience, and a summer school offers a supportive introduction to this independence. You will usually stay in student accommodation, often within a historic college setting, and share meals with other students in university dining halls.
This gives you a genuine sense of daily undergraduate life. You learn how to navigate a campus, share communal spaces, and manage your routine, all while building confidence in a new environment.
6. Explore world-class university cities
University life is not limited to lectures and seminars. Becoming familiar with a new city is a rewarding part of the experience, and summer schools offer the same opportunity.
Choosing a programme in a historic university city such as Oxford or Cambridge allows you to immerse yourself in centuries of academic tradition. You can explore beautiful architecture, visit renowned museums, and experience cultural attractions that would be part of everyday life as a student there.
7. Build a global network of friends
Universities bring together students from all over the world, and summer schools reflect this diversity. You will study alongside motivated students from many different countries, helping you build confidence in social settings and develop a global outlook.
For many students, these international friendships become one of the most memorable and valuable parts of the experience, closely mirroring the social environment of university life.
8. Gain insight into university courses and applications
Summer schools provide a valuable opportunity to ask questions about degree courses and university life. You can speak directly with tutors about academic pathways, recommended reading, and subject enrichment.
This insight is particularly useful when preparing university applications. You gain a clearer understanding of what different courses involve and what universities look for in strong candidates, helping you feel more confident and informed when it comes time to apply.
Summer school as a preview of university life
A summer school can be seen as a preview of undergraduate life. It bridges the gap between school and higher education by introducing you to advanced academic study, greater independence, and a vibrant social environment.
You will grow academically, socially, and personally, while experiencing life away from home in a safe and supportive setting. Whether you are exploring a subject you love, preparing a university application, or simply curious about what lies ahead, a summer school is an ideal next step.