Terryn Thomas, a senior exercise science major from Columbiana, Ohio, is experiencing senioritis as she approaches graduation in May 2021. Seniors can try these five tips to help with their senioritis: take a break, stay organized, take a quick getaway, take care of yourself, and keep the long-term goal in mind. Photo by Bailey Chamberlain.
Senioritis: At some point in our lives, we’ve all experienced it. From struggling to complete simple assignments on time to not finding any desire to attend classes, senioritis can hit students in various ways.
“[Seniors] are trying to focus on finishing strong in their academic program, but [they’re] also needing to think about the next step in the future in [their] post-graduation plan,” said Katie Armstrong, director of college advisement. “Being pulled like that can definitely get overwhelming.”
Developing a bad case of senioritis is almost unavoidable, so here are the top pieces of advice from DSU students and staff to help keep your eye on the prize and get that diploma.
Take a break
Taking college courses can be totally exhausting. It is time-consuming and sometimes feels like it can completely engulf you.
“When I am feeling senioritis, I like to take a step back and do an activity that helps clear my mind,” said Ethan Del Toro, a senior exercise science major from St. George. “For me, that is fishing while listening to my favorite type of music. This really helps me take a needed break to relieve and let out my stress so I can get back into working hard at school.”
Stay organized
Being a senior comes with a wide variety of assignments that need to be completed. A senior capstone, internships and readings are all different activities your senior year may bring to you.
Armstrong said one of her top tips to her students regardless of their year in school is to stay organized.
“You may have never used a planner in your life, but maybe this is something your senior year may bring to you that will help you be successful,” Armstrong said.
A planner is a great way to help you remember when you have assignments due and when activities are being held.
Have a quick getaway
The Monday through Friday workload college courses bring can be exhausting.
Abbey Smith, a senior communication studies major from Prescott, Arizona, said, “My roommates and I take weekly trips to Zion to restart our week.”
With the beautiful southern Utah landscape DSU has to offer, there are hundreds of hikes ranging from half a mile to hikes that are over 10 miles long.
Alltrials is an app that will show users local hikes around them and their distances.
Take care of yourself
If you are feeling overwhelmed or simply just don’t care about classes anymore, take a step back and remind yourself that you have worked hard at this the last three or more years of your life, and you need to take care of yourself so you are capable of finishing strong.
Finishing your assigned work is important, but so is getting enough sleep, the occasional movie night during the week, attending college events, spa days, and whatever else you enjoy doing. These activities are very important to help overcome the ruts senioritis can bring.
Remember seniors, it’s alright to treat yourself to a break once in a while.
“I have to take care of myself,” Del Toro said. “I feel overwhelmed with all of the work sometimes and need to remember to take some time doing what I enjoy.”
Think about the long-term goal
One day, you will be finished with college and have only memories and a diploma from your college years. You never want to regret anything you have done in your life, and finishing your college years on a downward spiral may be fun in the moment, but would ultimately bring painful regret.
“The way you finish your final year of college could either spring you forward into starting off a career on the right foot, or it could create another obstacle you need to hurdle once you are graduated,” Del Toro said.
DSU has a variety of resources made available to students who may be experiencing senioritis.
“Turn to your academic adviser if you are feeling stressed or struggling with time management,” Armstrong said. “We may not have all the right answers and we can’t necessarily help with everything, but we can direct you in the right place.”
