Campus during the summer looks a lot different — empty parking lots, closed dining facilities and less students running to class. However, other students continue their education by taking summer classes.

There are currently 6,465 students registered for the summer semester, and of these, 2,999 are taking at least one online class, said University Registrar Christopher Cox.

These numbers might be higher or lower than last year.

“It is difficult to determine where we stand in comparison to last year as registration for summer continues through late June,” Cox said.

Summer classes are broken up into three different sessions. The first session lasts six weeks, the second eight weeks and the third six weeks, according to the University website.

Students take summer classes for a variety of reasons.

They can change their minds, study abroad, take time off and work at different speeds, which makes it nearly impossible to peg summer classes on one factor.

Some students decide to take summer classes in order to graduate on time.

Senior Nick Leach said graduation serves as a great motivator to complete his summer classes.

Other students take summer classes to spread out their course load.

Taking summer classes can be a good idea so students don’t get overwhelmed in the fall and spring, said senior Antoinette Stephens, majoring in pre-law.

Despite the popularity of summer classes, they do come with some hardships.

First, it can be challenging to go to class with the weather being so nice, said junior Chelsea Soss, an accounting major.

Also, it can be difficult to stay motivated taking classes online, Soss said.

Students need to make sure they keep the distractions at a minimum: staying off Facebook, avoiding texting and finding a quiet place to study can help keep the distractions at bay, Soss said.

Senior Janie Rauscher has taken summer classes every year and said she has had a positive experience.

“Even though the classes are shorter, you get to know the classmates and professors better, and you will not have as many distractions,” said Rauscher.

Students are still able to register for summer classes, Cox said.

The eight-week session begins June 11 and the second six-week session begins June 25, according to the University website.