Congratulations -- you made it. You will be getting your diploma in 15 short weeks. When you look back on your college experience, your time will feel like it went by in the blink of an eye. I hate to break it to you, but your final semester will fly by quicker than you could ever think possible. Take advantage of every moment, because you won’t have a second shot at it. Figure out what is most important to you, and do it. Looking for some inspiration? Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Mentor an underclassmen
Pass along your wise words of senior wisdom because what’s better than passing along what you learned the past three and a half years, especially if it isn’t found in a textbook.
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2.Visit your favorite places on, and off, campus
You will never realize how much you will miss that local restaurant or coffee shop or your favorite study or hang out spot until you aren’t able to go there whenever you want.
3. Go on an alternative spring break trip
Partying is still the current spring break trend, but why not do something different? You’ll be able to help people in need and build character and relationships at the same time. Many colleges and universities offer alternative spring break trips, but if yours doesn’t, there are always people in need right in your own community.
4. Do that thing you always wanted to do since freshman year.
You know the thing that I’m talking about. Just do it.
5. Start networking and applying for jobs.
Network. Apply. Repeat. In reality, you probably should have started last year, but it’s never too late to start. You never know how those connections and relationships could be mutually beneficial in the real world. A little work now could pay off big time in the future
6. Use your student discount, and stock up on the freebies.
Save as much money as you can now. A few dollars and cents here and there will start to add up, and that could help out with student loan payments. Every little bit counts, trust me. Also, stock up as many freebies as possible, and NEVER pass up a t-shirt. Go to as many events as possible, especially the ones just for seniors.
7. Make post-graduation plans.
No matter how abstract or detailed this plan is, have one. It helps focus you and calm your anxiety about not knowing what’s going to happen after commencement. And if your life doesn’t go as planned? That’s okay. It’s how life goes most of the time.
8. Take pictures of everything and with everyone.
Make as many memories as you possibly can. Like your favorite spots, many of your college friends live in different parts of the country, and it may be harder to see them on a regular basis when you don’t live within shouting or walking distance.
9. Relive your glory days.
Visit your old hangouts from freshman year. Try to forget your looming responsibilities for a little while. Take a little time to relax and treat yo’self.
10. Say thank you.
Professors, parents, friends, classmates, food service workers and maintenance crew. Basically say thank you to anyone who helped you get through these last four years. Even if you don’t think it’s a big deal, it will mean the world to them.
11. Don't forget to study.
Because grades are still a thing and you don’t want to tank your GPA that you worked so hard for. Don’t spend all of your time in the books, but don’t blow it either.
12. Brunch. Always brunch.
Enough said.
13. Learn adult things.
Cook with your roommates. Ask your economics or business professor for a crash course in personal financing. See if the career center or your writing professor will proofread your resume or cover letter.
14. Be happy.
These next few months will be some of the last where you don’t have your daily life scheduled with work, errands, and other adult things. Enjoy the fact that you can take a nap at 2 p.m. if you’re tired or grab a dinner with friends instead of staying late at work.
Here's to you and all of your hard work. Make your last weeks as a college student count. In the words of Lily Pulitzer: “It's been one blur of fun.”
