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Senioritis: How to Stay Motivated When Graduation Feels So Close

Ellie Mottram Student Contributor, California State University - Chico
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Cal State Chico chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

The final semester of college should be exciting, we’ve spent the past 4 years or more working for this moment. Graduation is finally within reach! It’s a time to celebrate our achievements, make lasting memories, and look forward to our future. But instead of feeling energized and motivated, we find ourselves hitting snooze, zoning out in class, and lacking on assignments. This is called senioritis! If you find yourself struggling to stay motivated, here are some ways to push through and make this last semester count!

Remind Yourself Why You Started

Shift your mindset. Reminding yourself of your goals can help you feel motivated again. Whether it’s landing your dream job, getting into grad school, or just proving to yourself that you can do it, keeping your reason in mind can make a big difference.

Romanticize the Final Semester

Find ways to make everyday tasks more enjoyable. Turn studying into more of a cozy ritual with your favorite drink/snack. Use group projects as an opportunity to connect with classmates before graduation. Reward yourself for finishing tasks. Finish an essay then grab dinner/drinks with friends, or binge an episode of your favorite tv show. Keep reminding yourself that in 3 months we won’t have this lifestyle anymore. 

Start Preparing for Post-Grad Life

If you’re feeling unmotivated, channel that energy into preparing for what comes next. Update your resume, apply for jobs, research grad schools, or work on personal projects. Knowing you have a plan for after graduation can help ease anxiety and keep you focused on finishing strong.

Keep the End in Sight

At the end of the day, we are almost there! Instead of wishing away these last few months, embrace the experience. Take in the little moments, walk across campus, have a late-night talk with roommates, celebrate achievements with friends. Once it’s over, you might miss parts of it more than you think. 

Senioritis is completely normal, but don’t let it take away from these last few months of college. You’ve worked hard to get here, and you owe it to yourself to finish strong! Stay focused, set small goals, and find ways to make the semester enjoyable. At the same time, take in the small moments, spend time with friends, make memories, and appreciate this chapter before it ends. Graduation is just around the corner and when you finally walk across that stage you’ll be glad you gave it your all.

Ellie Mottram

Cal State Chico '25

Ellie Mottram is a fourth year student at Chico State. She is a Communications major and minoring in Business Marketing. Ellie's hometown is Orange County, California. She is part of the writing team for Her Campus, Chico State and can not wait to share her writing with the community!