Five tips from a senior on surviving four years

A few weeks ago, I pulled one of those terrible yet not nearly as valorized almost all-nighters: working in the library until it closes at 2 a.m.

Alone and desperately staring at my computer screen hoping that a revised version of my Shakespeare paper would simply materialize before me, the exhaustion I had been experiencing for hours finally culminated into a single nagging thought: how many more nights like this will I have?

Like many of my peers, I am no stranger to putting off assignments until the last minute, only to have to deal with inevitable regret and self-hatred. But, even as I sat in the library wanting nothing more than to be back in my bed with a finished essay printed on my desk, I started to tear up at the thought of it all being over.

I realized that my senioritis, my “screw my GPA, I’ll graduate no matter what” attitude that I honestly have had since my first year has become all-consuming. Instead of feeling miserable, I realized I need to cherish these moments because my time as a student will soon be over for good.

Confronting my own senioritis has allowed me to better understand and appreciate my time as a college student. As my final semester at St. Joe’s approaches, I am finally able to reflect on my choices and give what I hope to be helpful advice.

I would ordinarily caution anyone before accepting my guidance, as my “full send” mantra has routinely gotten me into trouble. But as a senior who has lived through it all, this is my candid advice.

1. Make the most of your all-nighters.

It’s bound to happen, so there’s no sense in dwelling on your poor time management. These nights, more than any party you’ll ever attend, will be the ones you remember the most. Do as I do: stock up on candy beforehand and take a lap every hour to socialize. Even if people think it’s gross, take your shoes off—it’s freeing.

2. My personal favorite: utilize your sweatshirt.

Throw a big hood over your head then tighten and knot the drawstrings—faultless blinders. The perfect way to keep your headphones secured in your ears and to keep your eyes on your own work. When you finally crawl back to your dorm room after it’s all finished, be proud of the work you have done. It’s never easy and you pushed through.

3. Take that one professor again.

One of the best decisions I have made as a student was registering for classes with professors I have had before. If you have taken a class with a professor you loved, look through the course lists to see what else they teach that you might be interested in. Not only does this relieve any anxieties about not knowing a professor’s teaching style, but it is also helpful when your professor knows your learning style. I have grown so much as a student this way.

4. Study in The Perch, especially during finals.

The Perch is hands down the most “slept on” location on campus. Cheap vending machines? The Perch has it. TVs and activities? It’s all there. A random stage to have dance breaks on? You bet. For some unknown reason, St. Joe’s students forget to make use of this amazing space, but it is my secret to de-stressing during finals.

5. Lastly, don’t count down the days until you get to go home.

When classes get tough and you feel like ripping all of your hair out rather than studying for a test, we all start to forget that we are only here for four short years. Every time I have been stressed, all I wanted to do was go home, forgetting that home is here too. It’s cliché to say seize the day, but these years are so important to enjoy.

So take your shoes off in the library, bond with your professors, and don’t let senioritis get the best of you—there are so many moments you don’t want to miss.