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It's okay to be scared of change

While most seniors use their final year of college to prepare for jobs, graduate school and other plans, many forget about life itself after graduation. Transitioning can be tough, especially when you're starting a new chapter of your life. How are we supposed to function in the real world? If you're scared about post-grad life, don't worry. You're not alone. Star Tribune explains that many seniors deal with transitional anxiety and other unexpected stress after graduation in "Graduating seniors often struggle with 'transitional anxiety.'" The story gives valuable tips and resources to help you navigate lifestyle changes after college. Did you know some colleges provide therapy for transitional anxiety? I'm so used to a college schedule that I'm not sure how I'll feel about a typical 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job. Change is tough for me. That doesn't mean change is bad, but it's comforting to know that not everyone is settled in directly

You can't stay in graduation denial forever

Graduation is something that all seniors seem to ignore. It's tough to accept that our time as undergrads will end in a few, short months. We're not really leaving college right? "11 Signs You're in Denial About Graduating" from Her Campus shares funny, lighthearted scenarios that every senior can relate to. These situations are all too real and show how little time we have left. Although graduating seems scary, we can't stay in denial. College has to end at some point, but let's make the most out of our last year. https://www.hercampus.com/lifestyle/11-signs-you-re-denial-about-graduating

Don't let senioritis get the best of you

Senioritis — it's something that most college seniors suffer from during their last semester. Classes? Homework? They seem irrelevant at this point. It's tough to stay motivated when you're so close to the end. Although graduating seems scary, being done with exams and papers will be a relief. But don't start bailing on your responsibilities just yet. "5 Tips to Battle College Senioritis" from U.S. News & World Report explains that seniors can avoid a lack of motivation by staying organized, thinking about the big picture and using the career center. It also notes that slacking too much may prevent you from graduating — the exact opposite of what you want. It's easy to stop caring about school work, but it's important to finish strong. Don't let your years of hard work go to waste . Y ou're almost done! https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2011/11/18/5-tips-to-battle-college-senioritis

Senior year sadness

Senior year is all about lasts: last first day of classes, last finals week, last walk through campus. Graduation is exciting, but thinking about what I'll miss when I leave college is depressing. College really has been the best four years of my life, so how will the real world compare? "5 Reasons Why Senior Year Is The Most Depressing Year Of Your Life" from Total Sorority Move explains how the year of lasts serves as a sad, reality check. Whether it's questions about your future or unenthusiastic advice from grads, each instance makes you want to stay in college forever. But we have to move on eventually, right? While it's nice to reminisce on the fun memories we've made in college, we can't get too caught up in the past. We're starting a new chapter of our lives, so let's focus on how great that will be. https://totalsororitymove.com/5-reasons-why-senior-year-is-the-most-depressing-year-of-your-life/

How to master post-grad life

Thinking about the future is scary. But it can also be exciting — at least if you're optimistic. I mean, aren't you thrilled to think about moving to a new city, getting your own apartment and getting a job you're really passionate about? I know I am. Although landing your dream job may not come directly after graduation, you can still begin your career journey towards that. But how do we get there? HuffPost's "Suggestions for Seniors Graduating From College: Planning for the Future" shares advice on how seniors can prepare for job interviews and adjust to life once you're employed. The tips are lengthy, but reassuring and helpful to read. So if you're worried about graduating, don't fret. The job search doesn't have to be as complicated as you think it is. Follow these tips to make your life a little easier. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/suggestions-for-seniors-g_b_5334827

The real world isn't as bad as it seems

Senior year is stressful — everyone knows that. That's why there are a million articles talking about what seniors should do during their final year of college. But it's hard to find genuine advice for senior year that doesn't just tell you to go to the career center and focus on networking. Although that stuff is important, so is knowing how to cherish your last moments of college. "8 Pieces Of Advice For College Seniors" from Thought Catalog explains that seniors should live in the present and be spontaneous, but also gain relevant, professional experience during their final year. The advice is lengthy, but is really encouraging to read. The conversational tone makes the author sound like one of my friends rather than a random writer. This is one of the first advice pieces that assured me that the real world isn't so bad, which is exciting to finally hear. Most articles about senior year are often pessimistic and give me even more stress, but this arti

Branch out your senior year

Senior year is something to celebrate. Finally you've reached the final step in your college experience, but that doesn't mean there's nothing left to learn. HuffPost's "Making the Most of Your Senior Year of College" shares tips on how seniors can use their last year to their advantage. The advice mainly focuses on academic and professional opportunities, but also touches on ways to spice up your social life. College is a wonderfully unique experience, so let's make the most out of our last year. Try something new, branch out, take risks. Who knows, you might even find a new passion along the way. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/making-the-most-of-your-s_b_6523128  

Embrace the fifth year

Although I never want college to end, I know that my time has an expiration date. Soon the class of 2020 will be walking the stage and saying goodbye to our undergraduate years. But what happens when you need to take a fifth year? Elite Daily's "How Being a Super Senior is a Blessing in Disguise" explains how taking a fifth year of college has some perks. It might feel weird and embarrassing at first, but this extra time allows you to make new friends and pursue new opportunities. If you need extra time to graduate, don't feel ashamed. Everyone has their own path, and maybe this is exactly what you need. Everyone in college is worried about their own problems, so people probably won't care or notice that you're around for another year. They might even like the company. https://www.elitedaily.com/life/culture/its-okay-to-be-a-super-senior/1030790

Binge drinking isn't acceptable in the real world

Drinking is a big part of the college experience. Yes, some students may not drink, but most social settings in college are associated with alcohol. And once you're a senior, drinking becomes an even bigger past time. You're finally 21, you have a lighter course load and you're stressed about the future. Of course having a leisurely glass of wine seems harmless, but most seniors, and college students, take drinking to the extreme. "College Students and Binge Drinking: When a Rite of Passage Becomes a Path to Destruction" from U.S. News & World Report explains that binge drinking in college is a common weekend past time that students use to fit in and gain friends. While it may be fun, this kind of drinking can put students in danger and create bad habits. As a senior, it's fun to have the freedom to drink on week days. It's your last year of college and probably the last time you'll be able to drink so freely, so why not? But don't let th

Thank God it's Thursday

As I plan my schedule for my final semester of college, I'm excited and relieved. Finally I have the first pick of classes, and the freedom is exhilarating. What should I take? Yoga? Painting? Acting? Regardless of which classes I choose, there's one guideline that each course must fulfill — no Friday classes. I've had this schedule for three semesters now, and man, does it feel good. Having class only four days a week is amazing, especially when I need some down time. Although opting for a three day weekend seems like a no-brainer, The New York Times' "How Thursday Became the New Friday" explains the controversy of having less Friday classes. Seniors especially use the extra day off as an excuse to drink, and the decline of Friday classes leaves thousands of class rooms empty. Some colleges are retaliating by adding more Friday classes, but is it that serious? I don't see the harm in letting seniors relax for their last year of college. We've st

What you should really be doing your senior year

Coming into my senior year, I knew I had to focus on getting a job. Other than that, I planned on taking it easy. What else was there to worry about? I had spent the last three years working hard, so why not ease up? Although senior year should be fun, it's also a time to consider investing in yourself. HuffPost's "11 Things I Wish I Knew Senior Year of College" shares tips on how you can prepare for post-grad life. Tips range from practical advice about networking, to taking care of your mental health. Senior year is flying by, so it's nice to have these tips in the back of my mind. They made me reflect on my plans. What do I truly want to accomplish this year? Remember this advice as you complete the year, but don't overthink it. Everyone has their own path. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/11-things-i-wish-i-knew-s_b_4723277?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAFp3MlHMDxvTtcIN_ZfCdcmbCKP-7beicdi7fB19W

Network your way to success

Every senior's biggest fear is being unemployed after graduation. Some students already have jobs lined up while others haven't even applied. Finding a job is complicated, so what can we do to avoid living with our parents for the next 15 years? "College Seniors: Do These 4 Things Before Graduating to Ensure Career Success" from Forbes shares tips on how seniors can improve their odds of getting a job. The advice is simple and mainly promotes networking, but it's a nice reminder of what we can do to help ourselves. As college students, we have so many career resources that many take for granted. Let's take advantage of these opportunities before it's too late. https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthellmann/2017/04/28/college-seniors-do-these-4-things-before-graduating-to-ensure-career-success/#55c25c7b1520

Senior year doesn't have to be stressful

As a college senior, it is hard to believe that my years of higher education and youthful shenanigans are almost over. It seems as though a few months ago I was moving into my dorm freshman year and embarking on the crazy, wonderful journey of college. Although it will be relieving to be done with classes and homework in a few months, the fear of what comes after makes me want to stay in college forever. I think one of the biggest stressors for seniors is thinking about the future — especially life after graduation. Should I go to graduate school? Look for a job? It's hard to think about what's next without getting a huge knot in my stomach. Everyone wants to succeed, but is it worth giving yourself extra anxiety? Forbes' article, "College Seniors: Why You Shouldn't Stress Out About What's Coming Next," offers useful commentary on why senior year stress is unnecessary. Molinsky suggests that we embrace change and start believing in ourselves. These tip

Hi, it's nice to meet you

Hey there, welcome to my blog! My name is Cali and I am a senior at Binghamton University majoring in English rhetoric and minoring in graphic design. I am from a small town near Syracuse, New York and want to pursue a career in journalism or communications. In my free time I like to read, write, watch movies and shop. When I am not eating Thai food or scrolling through Instagram, you can find me hanging out with friends and procrastinating. Right now I am an assistant arts and culture editor at Pipe Dream and a student assistant at BU's Office of Media and Public Relations. Here are a few fun facts about myself: I have four dogs, I am an only child and my guilty pleasure is reality television. My blog will cover anything and everything related to college seniors. As a senior myself, I understand the struggle and stress of the final year of college. Here's to surviving the last two semesters!