5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Last Semester of College

sunset photo of graduates throwing their caps in the air

Even in a pandemic, you can still make some quintessential college memories.

 

If you’re in your senior year of college right now, your social life probably looks a lot different than you expected when you first stepped on campus. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the rest of your college experience. Even in a pandemic, there are still so many ways you can have fun and make incredible memories of your last semester. Try these suggestions to get started.

 

Enjoy Campus Life

College is about more than just classes. It’s also about the memories: late night meals with your friends, a spontaneous dance party with your roomie, or even sitting out on the quad for some good old-fashioned people watching. You can still do all those things! Although you may have to adapt the plan a little to make it socially distant (say, having the dance party over video chat or ordering take out with friends rather than hanging out in the dining hall), there’s no need to miss out on classic college traditions. Try this: Make a list of all the aspects of campus life you wanted to try out before the end of the year, and then, with your friends, come up with creative solutions to make it all happen, one way or another. (Pro tip: The most important part is that you all have fun together.)

 

Hit the Road

Who doesn’t love a road trip? If you can, hop in the car and head to a nearby city with your friends. It’s a great way to distress from classes and forget about the anxiety caused by the thought of your impending graduation. Don’t forget to fill up your Far Out bag with all your essentials, including snacks, sanitizer, and some camping equipment, if you’re up a night under the stars. Happy exploring!

 

Join a College Club

Clubs don’t have to just be about adding to your resume. You can also join them to indulge in your hobbies or interests. Meetings may be virtual or socially distanced right now, but you’ll still make new friends and learn new skills. Think big here: If you’re a math major but love movies or plays, look for a film or theater club. Or, if you’ve always been into sports but want to get in touch with your literary side, a book club might be more your speed. Can’t find a club that fits your interests? Start your own! Remember: Just because you’re working towards your future doesn’t mean you have to leave your recreational interests behind.

 

Utilize Your Student ID

You definitely want to take advantage of all the perks of being a college student while you still can. In-person events might not be happening right now, but you can still check out virtual ones, especially those that are free for students. Plus, your college ID will get you discounts with some of your favorite brands (including JanSport!). And plenty of restaurants and cafes near your campus probably offer some deals for local students too, so make sure you check them out before you leave. That’s how you make your college budget work for you!

 

Plan a Reunion 

It’s never too soon to start planning your eventual reunion with your best college friends, even if you’re all still living together right now. Set a date and mark your calendars for the time when you will all meet and catch up about your life in the “real world” together. Yes, it can be scary to think of embarking outside of those dorm room walls, but having a get-together on the books will give you something to look forward to. After all, if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that life can get crazy—but having a reunion plan will ensure that you all keep in touch no matter what.

 

What fun things do you have planned for your last semester? Share them with us on social using #LifeUnzipped.

 

By: Mandy Carr