How to Use Intersession to Rest and Reset for the Next Term
Dr. Elizabeth Ruegg | August, 2025
Intersession — that short window between semesters — often gets treated like bonus time to “get ahead.” Many doctoral students work straight through, tackling scholarly reading, writing, and research as if the break doesn’t exist. I’m here to tell you: at least part of that time should be completely off-limits for academic work.
Yes, really. And here’s why.
1. Rest Is Part of the WorkWhen you push straight through from one term to the next, your focus and motivation start to fray — sometimes without you noticing until you hit a wall mid-semester. Taking at least one week fully off from scholarly reading and writing gives your brain time to recharge. Think of it as preventative maintenance for your academic stamina.2. Plan Your Break Like You Plan Your SemesterMark the first week of intersession as non-negotiable rest time in your calendar. That means no journal articles “just for fun,” no “quick” revisions, and no starting next term’s assignments early. Instead, catch up on sleep, read something purely for pleasure, spend time outside, or reconnect with hobbies that get pushed aside during the semester.3. Use the Second Half for Light PrepOnce you’ve taken a real break, you can use the remaining intersession days for low-pressure, maintenance-style tasks:
Organizing your reference library (Zotero, EndNote, or whatever you use). Or, take the time to learn to use those tools in advance of needing them! They're worth the learning curve.
Creating or updating your writing calendar for the next term.
Setting up folders or templates for upcoming assignments.
These activities set you up for success without draining the energy you just restored.4. Resist the Guilt SpiralIt can feel strange — even irresponsible — to step away from your work when deadlines loom in the distance. Remind yourself that rest is not wasted time. It is an investment in your ability to show up fully focused when the semester starts.Final Tip: The most productive students aren’t the ones who work the most hours; they’re the ones who pace themselves. Use intersession to rest, reset, and start the new term with the clarity and energy you need to do your best work.