<p>Another benefit of the summer semesters is that there are no Friday classes. Last summer, I spent my 3-day weekends at the beach, hiking, going to Six Flags, etc. The environment is relaxed, and NU offers trips every Friday if you don’t have the transportation or motivation to plan things on your own. The benefit you get from the co-op program much outweighs the temporary bummer of not having the summer off. Besides, most of my high school friends from other schools worked as lifeguards or in fast food in their summers. I’d rather get the chance to work in a career-related job.</p>