How to Make the Most Out of Your Last Year in College

Whether you're becoming unhappy about the snowfall, if not gloating about the sunshine, or not, you have to look forward to the latter part of the (new) year. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel. You might be forgiven for being dramatic about your struggles in managing the coursework, as you couldn't imagine anyone in your department who had exerted more effort than you do. You may be relieved when you realize that you would enter your final year in the university. You're becoming nostalgic about academic life as well. You might deny it on the next instance, but it would be pointless to argue about it. Let's talk about your soon-to-be final year.

You may not recall the last time that you attended a student-filled party, and you rather not reveal this information to anyone you know in your department. There's nothing to be ashamed about it, even if it's easier said than done. Peer pressure is a huge issue, and this might be the reason to give in. It could surprise you, but think about the near future. You will become a job seeker, and employers want nothing more than an active, well-rounded candidate. They have a point, as you don't learn interpersonal skills while analyzing the main themes of an assigned novel. (The same thing applies to mathematical equations and scientific theories.) If you don't get it, then let's put it another way. Paper writing won't teach your a thing or two on teamwork unless you've been organizing a study group for a year or two. If you don't have any questions, then let's get to the heart of the matter.

This post should remind you about what could be your challenging moment in the university. You should experience lots of stressful moments, so don't be afraid to embrace it. It give you a good excuse to distract yourself frequently. (And it may be more frequent than what you have been doing during the past year or so.) If you don't have anything good to remember about your first year (or second or third), then let your final year be the best time of your (college) life. It won't happen if you're passive (or indifferent) about it, though.

It’s the Final Countdown

Don’t rely on your lecture notes. You have lost count of the number of lectures that you have attended in the past. You should be aware that you won’t fall behind if you miss a lecture or two. And your professors won’t mind if this happen during your final year. Your thesis would put you off the track, and it may (or may not) take you some time before you make another adjustment. If you don’t, then you have to rely on your grit and resourcefulness. It’s all about consistency at this point, which you should have mastered during your second year (in college). If you worry too much about missing lectures, then you must remember something. Your professors highlight the ideas during a lecture. You can compare it to a view of the mountain range from a distance. It should be up to you to get close and see the valleys below it.

You must have your own set of study skills (to rely on). You may not have been able to master time management, but it doesn’t mean that you won’t get the top mark. Keep in mind that studying can be done on a shorter time if you know your best points. Visualization works in many cases, but it doesn’t apply to all students. If you like to memorize facts, then it can give you a slight advantage. It won’t help if you can name all the states in a minute or less, though.

Know what you want. You can’t focus most of your time on the coursework, as employment looms ahead. Think of what you want to do, and what employers expect from you. If you don’t have a clear idea about it, then you can ask around. It’s not too late to search for internship opportunities. If you like to take a break, then you might want to volunteer by the side. It’s not about an active routine, but also meeting new people. They may be great additions to your network, who can help you find your true calling. It would be a different thing if you’re preparing for an academic career. A graduate degree is not an option anymore, but figure it out if it’s wise to start your graduate studies right after receiving your undergraduate degree. You may be too exhausted, so you need a break.

Bright and Sociable

If you’re not too worried about being perceived as a weak (job) applicant, then do yourself a favor. Get up and leave your study table. Ask for upcoming social gathering. If you’re not the sporty teenager, then watch a baseball game (or football game). You owe yourself a break, as the essay papers and examinations would keep you too occupied during most of the (upcoming) year. Take a mental note of what you have achieved and what you have learned along the way. It should come in handy when you customize your resume.