This is it. The new semester is well underway here at SUNY, and for some of us it is also the last. Maybe you have a plan for after college, like work, travel, or more schooling. No matter the choice, if you spend too much time thinking about the future you might miss right now. Now is the time to have your last semester help make your college experience everything you wanted it to be. Ask yourself, what does my college experience mean to me? And once you’ve got your answer, go live that to the fullest in these final months. That idea is unique to everyone. Maybe you need to finally meet that stranger in class, or maybe you’re ready to start networking seriously. It’s a semester of potential last chances before your college life comes to a close, so take advantage!
In order to make sure you’re in the proper spirit, I’ve made a list of things you might want to try out in your final semester, academically, professionally, and personally.
Academically
- Learn something new
Okay, so it’s not like you ever really stop learning. But you will probably never again be surrounded with so many resources to learn practically anything! You want to learn a new language? You’re probably surrounded by knowledgeable faculty and international students that speak it as a first language. You want to learn how to hula hoop? You’re probably in the company of a ton of talented hoopers! Maybe, like SUNY Cortland, your school even has a club.
Professionally
- Last chance at many internships
A good number of amazing internship possibilities are only available to matriculated college students. If you don’t see grad school in your future this may be your last chance. So perhaps this semester it’s time to find that perfect career-building internship. And now it’s easier to find than ever, thanks to the InternShop.
- Polish off that resume
I don’t mean to scare you, but after college comes career. With this in mind, now might be the best time to perfect your resume. While you’re still in school you can utilize your campus’s career services center or follow the tips we’ve laid out to writing a strong resume.
Personally
- Make a new friend
In their senior year a lot of people feel like their friend group is already set. But that doesn’t mean you should shut yourself out to amazing new opportunities. The world is filled with amazing people and any one of them could be your newest friend. Don’t let yourself become stale just because it’s your last year. And according to Elite Daily, making new friends gives you positive energy. So let a little of that freshman positivity in to your senior heart.
- Go out more and be social
It’s not just something Drake‘s girl does. We might be old in college years, but in the grand scheme of life, we’re still young. This is the end of an era. Hang out with your friends. See that new movie. Go to that event off campus. You can have all the nights in you want after you graduate. Graduation might separate you from your closest college friends. But you can be together now. So remember to make those memories last.
- Go to that place you’re always saying you should go
I’m sure you’re thinking big, but I’m not just telling you to go abroad (although, if you have the opportunity it’s not a bad idea). I mean whatever place it is you’re always joking about going with your friends. Maybe it’s a weird little museum you always pass in town. Or maybe you’ve always said you should visit the Christmas store in May and see what it’s like. According to MayoClinic, trying new things helps keep you healthy longer. In fact, “Lifelong learning and social activity are important to mental well-being and happiness.” So now is the time to act on all your silly whims. Especially if any of these places have student discounts.
All-in-all, the best advice I can give as a fellow senior myself is to live without regrets. Decide what is important to you and live it. This might be your last college semester but it’s only the start of the next chapter of your life.
