Happy New Year, and happy last semester to all the seniors reading this who may be tearing up. The spring, for those of us graduating (me as well, sniff sniff), is filled with lots of lasts: last FDOC, last THON weekend, last State Patty’s. While these and many more events have been filled with fun and laughter over the last four years, it’s hard to believe this will be our college series finale. 2025 felt so far away, and yet we have suddenly found ourselves in the same year that was proudly printed in our Instagram bios: “Penn State ‘25.” I feel like just yesterday I was an undecided freshman in my purple shirt at convocation, nervously trying to make friends in the sea of colorful shirts. Now I’m almost 22 and will soon have a college degree hanging on my wall (the wall of my childhood bedroom at my parents’ house, but nonetheless fully acquired). How can we save every last drop of college before it’s gone?
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Putting the FUN into Barely Functioning Student
While the last few classes of college can feel like a chore, keep in mind that you may never be in a classroom setting again. So, try to go to as many as you can. Find that last bit of academic-energy to go to them. You may never be in a classroom setting ever again, so find a reason to enjoy the last few classes before graduation. Maybe even make a couple of those last “school friends” before the end of the semester. Talk to your teacher after class and share with them your favorite parts of their class (or their former classes if you have taken them before).
However, don’t let homework stress you out. Keep in mind that it’ll all get done. You’ve gone through numerous semesters stacked with papers, long exams and 100 pages of reading per night. Don’t let these tasks (that you have been able to complete before) stress you out. Take the pain out of your coursework and keep in mind these assignments won’t matter in June. Don’t let homework put a damper on your senior spring fun.
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Only in State College
Planned to hike Mount Nittany for the past four years and still haven’t? Have always wanted to go to a winery in the area but plans were always pushed off? With May getting closer and closer, start setting aside the time to do traditional Penn State activities. There will never be another time when all of your friends will be with you in the middle-of-nowhere Pennsylvania again, so schedule all the things you want to do now. While State College isn’t exactly the most exciting place, embrace its unique facets. Set aside the time to do one last creamery trip, order that specialty drink you’ve been dying to try and check out one of the farmers markets in town.
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Invest in Quality Relationships
In your last few months of school, know that not all of your friendships will make it out of State College. Some may just be titled your “friends from college,” and that is okay. But, understand which friendships have the strength to continue in the post-grad world. Will this friend be there for you during job rejection or moving out or family struggles? Those quality friendships will help make your last semester memorable, so lean into them.
Also, this relates to romantic relationships as well. In your last semester, it may be more rewarding to hang out with your friends on a Friday night rather than your flaky situationship who, when you squint, kind of looks like a rat. Is the sex really worth it? If the answer is no, it may be best to ditch them and hang with the girls. Choose who you surround yourself with wisely, especially when you know how little time is left.
Overall, take one day at a time. Breath in every element of your final college experiences and embrace what Penn State has given you.
Got any tips on savoring college before graduation? Let us know @VALLEYMag on Instagram or X!
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