All summer, I waited for senior year to arrive and for classes to be in session. I can vividly remember hanging off of my couch watching Basketball Wives just counting down the days until I would actually have REAL things to do. At this point, not only were all of my summer jobs over with, but with all of this free time I was bored out of my mind. I NEEDED SOMETHING TO DO ASAP!!!
Now that classes are back in session, I realized I was not really missing college. What I was looking forward to was the end of internships and summer break so that my friends would come back to our college town. In a nut shell, I was excited for the social part of college to start up again. I know this for a fact because when the first day of school rolled around, I was the least bit prepared. As I write this post, I still have not caught up and we are at least three weeks in. So, do you see what I am getting at? For me, senioritis has already kicked in. However, let’s just talk about the realities of what it is actually like to start your senior year in college.
As a senior in college, I had some misconceived notions about what to expect, I guess. When I walked on to campus that first day of class, I had mixed emotions. I felt like I should be out in the world working at someone’s job YET I had a whole year left of wasting time in the classroom. I quickly learned that senior year was not going to a breeze and I actually had work to do. I don’t know why I thought otherwise, but that’s what my actions were showing me. As a senior, we can sometimes get ahead of ourselves but until we receive our diploma we still have much work to do. So, let’s jump into what you need to know as a college senior:
SENIOR YEAR REALITY #1: YOU NEED A BACKPACK
You are not yet exempt from this rule. If you do not have a backpack or something to carry your belongings in you are already selling yourself short. I started classes on a Thursday and when I woke up that morning, I was really confused. I had neglected to pack a bag the night before with my school supplies. In all honesty, I neglected to even buy a book bag or bag to hold my things. That morning, I was already thrown off my game before I even step foot into the class. I had to search the house for a bag and quickly throw some random notebooks in it.
SENIOR YEAR REALITY #2: YOU NEED CLASS SUPPLIES
Luckily, I commute to my university campus while living at home with parents. Had it not been for my younger siblings, I would have been out of luck when it came to having class supplies. However, you might not have the same back up as me, so make sure you go school supply shopping even if it is just for basics such as notebooks, paper, and pens. I would suggest getting these basic items even if you rely solely on your laptop to store information. Having these handy will make you feel a ton more prepared.
SENIOR YEAR REALITY #3: MAKE A SCHEDULE
As we start to make our transition to the “real world” we have to stay on top of things. Senior year is guaranteed to be hectic but it can be made easier by consistently documenting commitments such as jobs, internships, classes, student organizations, job applications and side-hobbies. At this stage in college, it will be really easy to overwork yourself and by having this schedule you are less likely to overbook yourself and you will know when and where you are supposed to be at all times. DO NOT think senior year is the time to slack off on keeping your schedule. More than ever this is the time that you need it. Do what is best for you and find a way to stay organized.
SENIOR YEAR REALITY #4: GET YOUR DUCKS IN ORDER
Try your best not to forget about the little things. Make sure that you buy your parking decal. Print off your syllabi before the first day of class. Buy the textbooks that you need. Also, try keeping an active to do list with things that you need to complete.
In my first couple of days as a senior, I faced these hard realities. I thought senior year was going to be a breeze, which it definitely can be if you’re prepared. I think studying abroad in Costa Rica through me off my game a little. Now that I am back home, I have to figure it out how to do it all over again.
As you began your senior year in college, what are some of the realities you noticed? If you have yet to reach your senior year in college, what are some concerns that you think you might have?