You thought that it was miles away, that you would be the eternal fresher. Final year has rather cruelly crept up on you and you’re wondering where the past two or three years have gone. If it hasn’t already, the dread will kick in and you’ll soon realise that your carefree student days are numbered.
Graduate schemes, Masters applications, dissertations and deciding what you want to do with the rest of your life are looming – suddenly things have got rather serious. All that stands between you and that mortarboard is mounds of work, a few all-nighters in the library and cramming for exams like you never have done before. Then you are released into the real world.
Have I scared you yet? Whilst this is all incredibly daunting, there is no reason why you cannot enjoy your final year. In fact, most graduates will tell you that in many ways it was the best year of their university career. You’re no longer a fumbling fresher or a second year struggling with the reality of having to do some real work. You’ve found your feet, you’re confident in your own skin and at the peak of your academic career.
With some organisation and prioritisation, there is no reason why you cannot make final year your best yet. Here are some tips for making the most out of final year.
1. Get organised
If you know you want a graduate scheme or to go onto a Masters, it’s best to get started with applications as soon as possible when your work load is relatively light. A lot of graduate schemes close by the end of the calendar year and popular MA courses will fill up.
2. Don’t panic
If you haven’t decided what you want to do after graduating, do not freak out. You are far from alone. Stressing out will ruin your final year and affect your work performance. There is no point manically applying for thousands of jobs you don’t want. Take time to reflect and if you’re still unsure, concentrate on what matters most: getting on that stage and shaking the chancellor’s hand.
3. Get experience
Whether you’ve got some under your belt already or are tearing your hair out at the prospect of employers looking at an empty CV, it is never too late to get work experience. You may even have some already without realising. Think about what you’ve done with your free time at university. You may be on the executive team of a society, a mentor in your department or have come back from a year abroad – all of which have given you skills which will make you more employable.
4. Prioritise
There is no reason why final year means that you have to give up your extra-curricular activities and become a social recluse. Choose your nights out wisely and take it easy on the vodkas so the next day isn’t completely wasted feeling sorry for yourself in bed. Multi-tasking is also key to getting things done in final year. Instead of catching up with Game of Thrones cooped up by yourself in your room with a Pot Noodle, arrange to cook and watch it with your housemates.
5. Schedule some me-time
It’s easy for students to get sucked into essays and revision, and forget what life was like before finals. Working 24/7 is counter-productive – what you are trying to learn will simply not go in. Take some time out and appreciate student life: you will never have this much free time or be in such close proximity to so many friends again.
So all that there is left to say is good luck and enjoy it. Time does fly when you’re having fun.
How are you going to make the most of final year? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo: Lidyanne Aquino / Flickr
French and History graduate, born and bred Londoner and wannabe Parisian. Studying a MA in journalism next year and hoping to move back to France at some point in the future!
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