Your college career is slowly coming to an end. Four years of challenging yourself mentally and emotionally are about to pay off as you enter the real world, but it’s not time for graduation just yet. You still have nine months to savor every last moment of your college experience. Make these last two semesters count by following these ten things to do during your senior year!
1. Enjoy the Last Year with Your Friends
One of the best parts about college is making new friends and being surrounded by those friends 24/7. You’re all bound for unique futures, so it’s best to appreciate the closeness of campus while it lasts. Make last minute memories and reflect on the significance of the new friendships you made.
2. Give Your GPA a Final Boost
Although spending adequate time with your friends during the last few months of college is important, don’t let your academics suffer. You may have had the “C’s get degrees” attitude during your bio class last year, but now it’s crunch time. Don’t let your classes go to the wayside. Power through these last few credits and pull your average up just in time to apply for jobs.
3. Visit Your Favorite Local Spots
While at college, you probably got used to the nearby restaurants and attractions and began to take for granted. After graduation, you won’t have the chance to order your favorite soup special, sit in the back booth of that dive bar, or walk through that quaint art museum. Before walking across the stage, be sure to visit your favorite local spots one last time.
4. Attend College Events
You may have watched you college soccer team play dozens of times over the last four years, but don’t miss last minute chances to attend college events. Go to homecoming, watch the theatre performance, and soak up all the campus traditions.
5. Stock Up on College Apparel
You may have limited yourself to just one piece of college swag each year, but soon the bookstore won’t be within walking distance. Check out your college store and pick up some last minute momentos.
6. Browse & Apply for Jobs
In the midst of your senior year fun, don’t forget to give yourself a reality check. Campus enjoyments will soon be a thing of the past, and you’ll be entering the real world. Start browsing and applying to jobs early. The interview process could take months, and if you wait until the last second, you’ll be competing with the millions of other college graduates in May. Give yourself a leg up and start applying now.
7. Make Last Minute Connections
As you enter the workforce, networking will become increasingly important. Don’t miss your opportunity to make connections while still on campus. Attend lectures, ask your professors about their connections, and stop by career services. Networking may not be your thing, but it’s easier to make connections among your campus support system then it is among strangers out in the world.
8. Find Out About Post-Graduation Opportunities
If you’re dreading graduation, know you’re not alone. Talk with a career advisor about your options. They can help you with post-graduation plans, whether you’re thinking about graduate school or entering the workforce immediately. Many career services departments even continue to serve as a resource after you graduate. They can help edit your resume, give you interview tips, and help you narrow your job search.
9. Get Your Finances in Order
You may have been taking advantage of grace periods and pushing off your loan payments, but you can’t avoid the inevitable. Before you start receiving payment notices, take a look at your loans and calculate what you owe and see which of your loans have the highest interest rates. Start making payments now if possible. If not, estimate what your income will be after graduation and decide what you can afford to pay back each month. The quicker you pay off your loans, the less money you’ll spend on interest.
10. Make Plans to Come Back
Graduation does not have to be a permanent goodbye. Homecoming is the perfect time to come back for a visit. If that’s too long of a wait, make plans to meet up with friends, chat with professors, and visit your college town.
Have a great year, class of 2019!