How to Survive Your Senior Year of College
Senior year of college can be a hectic and stressful time. Despite all the obstacles, there are ways to get through it and trust me you’re not the only one experiencing it. Here are some tips that will hopefully help you survive your senior year of college:
1. Go to class
Most classes have a maximum number of excused or unexcused absences that you can have before it begins to affect your grade. It would suck to fail a class simply because you missed one too many days. This is something that students like to take their chances with often. But my best advice is just don’t risk it. Stop being lazy and go to class unless you have a legitimate reason not to.
2. Don’t give into senioritis
School is tough and senior year doesn’t get any easier but whatever you do don’t give into senioritis. Whether it’s your last year or your last semester don’t give into the temptation of being lazy. Just think about how many weeks or months you have left and how soon it will all be over. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and it’s called graduation, don’t give up! You’re almost done!
3. Keep Track of Deadlines
With so many things happening senior year, it’s easy to lose track of things. That’s why it’s extremely important to keep track of deadlines your senior year of college. Most people apply to grad school, med school, law school, etc. after undergrad and missing out on these application deadlines can delay your acceptance.
4. Make sure you sleep
Sleep is very important, yet many people take it for granted. Not getting enough sleep depletes your energy, decreases your ability to retain information and it just puts you in a bad mood. You need to make sure you’re getting enough sleep to tackle everything that’s ahead of you. Figure out what’s a good amount of hours for you and try to get that much sleep every night and you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
5. Make to-do lists
Whether it’s on your phone or your planner, it’s important to keep track of things you have to do. I don’t know how much I’d get done if I didn’t make a list or set reminders. Senior year is a busy year and in order to keep track of everything you must keep everything in check. Do whatever works for you whether it’s a checklist on your phone, a hand-written list on your desk or a list on your dry erase board. Wherever it may be, just make sure that it’s clearly visible and that you check it off as you go.
6. Make sure you’re eating right
Eating right is just as important as getting enough sleep. If you make sure that you’re getting the right food and nutrients, then you will be healthier and less prone to getting sick. Of course being sick sucks at any time of the year, but it sucks even more when you’re in your last semester of your last year of college. Do everything in your power to get the right foods and the right vitamins and you should be okay.
7. Save money
You don’t realize how expensive senior year is until you get there and by then it is usually too late. With graduation, trips with friends, cap and gown, testing fees etc., there are a lot of expenses to take into account your last year of college. It would be wise to save anywhere between $600-$1,000 for senior year depending on your estimated costs.
8. Take a breather
With so many things going on, you can become easily overwhelmed your senior year. Do whatever it is that you like to do to de-stress whether it’s yoga, running, singing, dancing, etc. Take some time to stop, relax and take a breather every once in a while. It will help you unwind, alleviate some stress and you will be able to refocus on your goals.
9. Have fun
Despite all the work and the stress, it’s also important to have fun. It’s your last year of college and even though it’s a time to grind it’s also a time for celebration. You did it! You got through the ups and the downs and now you’re one step closer to entering the professional world. Go out and have some fun with your friends for old times’ sake.
College is not always fun and it’s not always easy but it’s one of the most culminating moments of a young person’s life. Even though things can get a little crazy, it’s all worth it in the end. Don’t stop, don’t give up and keep fighting because graduation is only a few weeks away!





