If you’ve decided to make the most of your summer by participating in a full-time research experience, you’re about to embark on a new, challenging adventure, and it won’t include much time for lounging.



During the summer, you might be in the lab more hours in a single day than you spent in the lab in an entire week during the semester. Working, taking notes, and thinking about research for several hours (and days) in a row can be a difficult adjustment.

Be patient with yourself as you make the transition from full-time student to full-time researcher. Your mentor should encourage you to take breaks, but they might not want to seem like they are micromanaging your time. But breaks are still an important part of your research experience! So, make sure you stay hydrated and give your brain some time to think about non-science-y stuff.

Want more tips for thriving during your summer research experience? Check out 10 Things to Expect From Your Summer Undergrad Research Experience and On why it’s so important to 5 Survival Tips for Summer Research