The Spire

Viveca Stucke ’26

Chief Features Editor

In contrast to my dear friend, Ian Sykes’ previous article about tips for freshman year, I was inspired to create a similar list for senior year. I think, and rightfully so, that a large portion of support is given to first year students, and throughout the years, that dwindles. Students find their own communities, resources, and ways to respond to situations. Senior year however, presents its own unique set of challenges. Not only are you balancing an increased academic load, but you’re finding ways to spend cherished time with friends, learning the challenges of apartment living for the first time, balancing budgets, figuring out post grad plans, dodging questions about post grad, managing internships, clubs, and overall increased responsibility, but, you’re challenged with the hardest task of all; how you want to spend your last moments and last bit of time while on the Hill. So, in my reflection and introspection, I have decided to provide my list of tips and tricks for senior year!

1. Go to class. It’s tempting not to, but just do it. Your education is valuable and this is the final stretch of undergrad
2. Set aside at least an hour for you, every day. You need time to recharge in whatever capacity works best.
3. Get off your phone. Life is limited and the hours on your phone won’t refill your well.. the outside world will. 
4. Say yes to your friends as often as possible. Community will look different after Holy Cross, and your friends won’t always live here with you. Cherish every opportunity with them.
5. Get to know Worcester more. It’s a part of your home and your story. Learn to love it and try something new each week in the city.
6. Talk to your professors. They can help a lot with post grad problems, or even life in general. They’re not just academic assets.
7. Go to school events. Clubs host so many fun activities that you won’t get to experience once you’re gone.
8. Call your family more. It’s easy to forget about them as we get older and have more to manage but it is important to keep them in our life while you are here. 
9. Self care time is important. Refill your well and give yourself a reset now and again.
10. Eat better!! It’s likely you have a kitchen. Use this to learn to cook and experiment with good food. Healthy food fuels you.
11.  Remember everyone’s post grad journey is different. Some people already have jobs, some are searching, some are applying for fellowships, some for grad school, and some people still need some time to figure it all out. Every option is okay and remember we all have our own path. Be gentle with yourself and others. 
12. Have fun. You can still be responsible and academically put in effort, but make sure you’re finding the joy in this journey, especially as we near the end.
13. Take advantage of campus resources. ASLR, SWELL, Peer Wellness Coaches, Career Center … resources like this are helpful and you won’t have this at the tip of your fingers forever. 
14. Try new things on campus. Whether it be food or clubs or activities. Experiment.
15. Connect with the chaplains. Whether through programs like SPUD or SBIP or cookies or bagel Wednesday or even a chat with a chaplain. They’re good people and amazing for getting a perspective on life. 
16. Know that it is ok to not know what you’re doing. It is okay to feel like you’re a fake adult or that the real world is scary. You can be lost, and you should be, because it means there are so many different places and ways you can find yourself.
17. Get off campus at the very least, weekly. Remove yourself from the bubble and remind yourself there’s a community outside of the campus too. 
18. Balance your schoolwork correctly. Put in the work and try your best, but, also don’t let it eat away at your life.
19. Impart your wisdom. People in lower class years need support and there’s no better relief than an upperclassman willing to help.
20. Prioritize sleep. You need it. Your brain and body need it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
21. Be proud of yourself. You’ve gotten this far, and you should celebrate each and every accomplishment that’s gotten you here, no matter how big or small and regardless of what comes next. 
22. Live every day with gratitude, reminding yourself of what you are lucky for and feeling thankful for the good things that have come across your path. 

Featured image courtesy of The Worcester Telegram