Spring semester is that second half of the school year where you get to experience a whole new set of classes, meet new people, and battle with the elements of winter before spring finally arrives. For some, however, this is the last semester of college.
Period.
That's right. For those seniors graduating in May, things may be stressful or even scary. But this is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, not to mention a chance to get organized and prepare for the road ahead. Spend your last semester improving yourself and doing the things you’ve always wanted to do.
For some guidance, here are some tips on how to spend your last semester in college.
1. Make sure you're on track to graduate
If you haven't been keeping track already, seriously make sure you're all set to graduate. It's better to find out you're one credit short now when you can possibly still fix it, than later when you’re getting ready to pick up your gown and they stop you at the door.
2. Countdown to graduation
It'll give you something to look forward to. Start your daily countdown the first day school starts.
3. Stay on top of your studies
Yes, you’re going to have to beat the crap out of senioritis. Stay on top of your studies. Take those notes, actually read your textbooks, and yes, study! Procrastination will be hard to overcome but it'll suck even more when you have a low grade in May. These are your last classes and possibly even the last of the credits you need to graduate. Don’t let senioritis get the best of you. Succeed in your final classes.
4. Take a class for fun
If you can afford to, that is. You've spent four years here and chances are, you paid a decent amount to do so. If you haven't picked a great elective, pick a class you will genuinely love.
5. Try. Everything.
It is your last semester. If there’s anything you haven’t done and still want to do, now is your chance. Make a bucket list of the top things you want to do and simply do them. Go to that club or sports game, attend all the local and school events, hang out with your dorm mates, experiment with local cuisine, explore your campus, party all night, and take lots of photos — especially with your school mascot!
6. Get a routine going
Now is a good time to set yourself into a routine. It'll help you later on in the adult world. This includes: waking up a decent time, preparing meals, setting a certain number of important daily tasks, meditating, working, etc.
7. Go to the gym
A decent amount of colleges offer free or low-cost gym memberships. Take advantage of that! Regardless of whether it’s by yourself or with a friend, go work out! It’s obviously a good way to get in shape and stay healthy.
8. Set a sleep schedule
Try to get a normal sleep schedule for the normal eight hours. Do what you do best. If you work best on six or seven hours, plan to sleep for that time. But of course, all-nighters will end up happening. Try to get a goal for yourself to get a decent night of sleep when you can.
9. Organize a budget
If you don't have one, consider it. You'll most likely be paying off some serious debt soon. Try budgeting yourself so you have enough money for your bills and needs but also for some fun nights out. If that means limiting yourself to one Starbucks coffee a week, so be it. Make coffee at home, cook meals at home instead of eating out, and save up all your change because creating a budget will come in handy.
10. Check your loans
Speaking of budgeting, it's almost time. That's right. Check up on that heap of debt that you've been sitting on. If you've deferred your loan, check to see when your payments will start and how much you will be paying a month. It'll be best to put this in your budget so you don't default.
11. Tidy up your resume
If you haven't already, write a resume. Customize it to your personality and really show off your skills. Also, consider:
Practicing cover letters
Creating a business card (because you never know who you’ll run into these days)
Creating and practicing your elevator pitch
Figuring out your references (who are not your family)
Taking advantage of any career services your college has to offer
Taking advantage of any resume workshops or mock interviews your school offers
Creating a LinkedIn account
Buying a nice suit or business professional attire for interviews (because you’re going to need at least one)
Practice your interviewing skills and rehearse with different questions
Look for jobs and internships. Yes, AND internships. Even though you’re graduating, the job world is all about networking. And connections within internships are still a great way to meet new people who can help you succeed. Plus, internships will show you what you’re into and what you’re not, even the jobs you thought you would love
12. Take advantage of all the help you can get
Seriously. Everything.
Career services, mock interviews, resume help, advising, learning centers, counseling, health centers, LGBTQA+ services, health centers, and even student discounts. Anything and everything.
13. Bond with your professors
Both past and present. It's a good idea to send an email and meet up with professors while you have the opportunity. You can ask questions, build a relationship with a possible reference, and they can talk to you about future career plans or grad school. This semester, take advantage of office hours and clear any possible concerns.
14. Learn to cook
If you're in a dorm, this may be a bit difficult. However, if your dorm has a kitchen, use it! Learn to make things that don't come straight out of a microwave. Pinterest has plenty of student recipes. You'll find a great number of healthy meals scattered around.
15. Be comfortable
It's your last semester. Wear sweatpants, hoodies, or even pajamas to class if you want to. Simply do what you want and be comfy as you study.
16. Seriously figure out what you want to do
For some of us, we still have no idea what we want to do… and that’s OK. It’s your life and you will find something you are passionate about. Look into some things that you’re interested in and go for them. Look for internships, talk to any professors who have had similar career paths, go to an advisor, visit your school’s career services, talk with friends about what you want to do, and see what options are out there.
Even if you don’t know what you want to do, see what you can do and see what truly peaks your interests. Don’t rush simply because you’re graduating but instead, focus on what you want to do. Just get out there and see what you like.
17. Remember, you got this
One more semester to go. You can do this. You got this. Believe in yourself and make this semester one of the best.