Starting college in the summer, or off-cycle, means you’re not arriving with the traditional fall freshman class. There is no move-in weekend buzz or sea of new faces all figuring things out at the same time. You’re jumping in mid-stream — and it can feel a little disorienting at first.
Ellie McGee knows that feeling well. After a five-year gap, a transfer from an out-of-state school, and more than a few seasons of food service work, they decided it was time to finish what they’d started. When motivation struck, Ellie wasted no time — they enrolled at the University of Southern Maine and dove straight into summer session, even changing their major once they found a better fit.
Now a social and behavioral sciences student on track to graduate in May 2027, Ellie has some advice for other students preparing for a less traditional start.
1.
Connect with the Adult Student Success Center
If you do only one thing before summer session starts, make it this.
“The director of Adult Student Success gave me a personalized campus tour and introduced me to key staff members, which made me feel so much more comfortable and connected right away,” Ellie said. “I bet they would do that for you too, if you reach out and ask!”
The center offers support services built specifically for adult learners, and it is also one of the best ways to find your people.
“I would encourage all incoming adult students to connect with the Adult Student Success Program and Center,” Ellie said. “They can introduce you to other students your age with similar interests and majors, and help you to get involved on campus and in our community.”
Learn more at the Adult Student Success Center.
2.
Meet your academic advisor and actually get to know them
Your advisor is one of your biggest allies at USM, and the relationship works best when it goes both ways.
“Get to know them as one of your support staff, and help them get to know who you are as a student,” said Ellie. “I found all of my advising appointments to be super helpful and productive.”
This is especially true if you’re coming back after time away or figuring out a new direction. Adult students often return with a clearer sense of what they want — and an advisor can help you build a plan without the guesswork.Connect with advising.
3.
Take a walk around campus before your first day
Getting familiar with campus before classes start sounds obvious until you skip it and regret it.
“Find your classrooms, check out where student support offices are located, and explore the different spaces and resources available to you,” said Ellie. “I found this incredibly helpful when I started.”
And once you know the layout, you might just find a new favorite spot to settle into.
“It’s actually really nice studying on the Portland campus in the summer,” Ellie said. “I usually grab a spot at the picnic tables or on the green in front of McGoldrick and set up there to have a study picnic. If I get my homework done, I’ll treat myself to some soft serve ice cream too, which definitely helps with motivation.”
Campus maps are a great place to start.
4.
Get your campus ID card early
Your campus ID does more than you might expect. It works as your library card, printing card, City Metro bus pass, and dining hall card for tax-free purchases, and gives you access to certain campus spaces throughout the semester.
“I recommend getting your campus ID early on,” Ellie said. “I use mine all the time to access the libraries on campus. I also prefer to print my assignments so that I can take notes right on them, and I use my card for on-campus printing.”Get yours set up at Campus Card Services.
5.
Use the Libraries and Learning Commons — really use them
USM’s Libraries and Learning Commons on the Portland and Gorham campuses offer tutoring, writing support, academic coaching, and technology help. But there is one resource Ellie especially wants you to know about.
“Work with one of their Adult Learner Coaches,” Ellie said. “They’re adult students themselves and are trained to help other adult students navigate common academic challenges, like staying organized, managing their time, studying effectively, and more.”
And if you need a change of scenery to get things done, Ellie is all for that too. “I enjoy finding off campus spots to do homework, like Coffee By Design.”
The Libraries and Learning Commons have great online resources to get you started as well.
One last thing
“I really liked starting in the summer session because it let me get a head start on a few classes,” Ellie said. “It was nice being able to ‘dip my toes in’ and ease back into studying and homework without the full pressure of a regular semester right away. It definitely helped rebuild my confidence as a student and set me up for a stronger start in the fall.”
Ellie admits starting off-cycle can feel a little lonely — at first.
“I felt a bit disconnected from peers when I started off-cycle in the summer, but I put the effort in to make connections and felt much more integrated into USM by fall semester,” Ellie said. “Just remember that the feeling of disconnection won’t last forever, and putting effort into building connections will help.”
At the end of the day, Ellie’s advice comes down to one thing: show up for yourself before you actually need help.
“Be proactive about learning about and connecting with resources on campus so that it is less intimidating to reach out for help when you need it,” they said.
