Senior Year
Senior Year, the anticipation of the world and beyond. What will you be doing one year from now? The realization has hit that your undergraduate years will soon be over…. leaving friends…. moving on…. new location…. new life.
Hang in there!
Common Issues of Senior Students:
- If you are returning from being abroad you’ll need to re-acclimate from the overseas experience and adjust to state and local laws around drinking.
- Experiencing the last of every tradition and event during your stay at Notre Dame without being “that guy” or “that girl” or facing an arrest.
- You may still be one of the few seniors who is not 21.
- What is life going to be like after graduation?
- Anticipation of employment or what graduate school you will attend.
- Attending job/law school/medical school interviews.
- Uncertainty if future plans or employment has not been established.
- Living and accepting the role of being an RA.
- Separation anxiety.
- Loss of old friendships when returning from abroad, or maybe some friends have already graduated.
- Expectations of being an increasingly independent adult.
- If in a relationship/dating, how will everything change after graduation?
Helpful Hints:
- If returning from abroad, re-acquaint self with state and local laws.
- Enjoy your last traditions. However, don’t let them become regrets. You want to see your last football game from in the stands.
- If not 21, plan social events that don’t necessarily involve going to the bars.
- Use university resources to explore employment and graduate opportunities.
- If you are an RA, make sure you have a support system and make personal time!
- Separation anxiety is normal; don’t dwell on it but make the best of the time you have.
- Attempt to reconnect with old friends and remember Notre Dame is an opportunity to continue to meet people and grow in relationships.
- Significant relationships can and do survive; listen and support each others’ decisions no matter where it may lead.