College Senior Year Graduation Blues
Financial Anxiety, Homesickness, & Other Graduating Student Worries
Aug 11, 2008 Naomi Rockler-Gladen
As graduation day approaches, many seniors find themselves wondering, "Why am I unhappy?" After all, most college students imagine that their senior year is going to be packed with fun. However, what many students don't realize is that senior year can bring about some of the same kinds of anxieties as freshman year. After all, both freshmen and seniors are in the process of starting a new and more independent phase of their lives, so it's common to feel some degree of pressure, anxiety, and depression.
So how do you about the college senior year graduation blues? You probably can't. However, it's helpful to understand the kinds of things that stress out graduating college students -- along with some proactive strategies to help you make a smoother transition.
Financial Anxiety
Unless a college student comes from a wealthy family, stressing out about money is almost inevitable. For many graduates, student loans are a very real burden, as are rent, bills, and everything else that comes with being an adult.
There are two good ways to deal with this financial anxiety. First, use all the resources you have to help find a job. Take full advantage of your college career center by meeting with counselors and gathering information about prospective careers. If you haven't already taken a college internship, seriously consider this possibility -- and yes, you can take an internship after you graduate.
Second, be realistic. Few people go from starving college student to a successful professional overnight. For the next few years, you may very well be living with roommates, or even at home with your parents. You may also be taking low paying jobs for awhile, or experimenting with different kinds of work. None of this means you're a failure. Paying your dues is a normal part of life.
Forging a New Identity
You've been a student for an awfully long time now. But now who are you? This can be a stressful question for students, especially if they don't have a clear path in mind for a career or further education.
It's important to keep in mind that for Generation Y college students, uncertainty about one's "identity" is normal. Back in the Baby Boomer days, graduates commonly got a job at stayed with that company for life. How things change! Career changes have become the norm in today's world -- and as technology and the economy shift at a rapid pace, the ability to adapt to new careers is far more important than knowing what you want to do from day one.
Homesickness
Not everybody enjoys his or her college years, but for many students, college becomes home and college friends become family. Just as college freshmen can feel homesick for their families, friends, and familiar places, graduating seniors can feel just as homesick for college life.
If you loved college, saying goodbye won't be easy. But keep in mind that you don't have to say goodbye forever. College friendships often are for life, and so are alumni activities and reunions. If anything, you can always keep in touch through Facebook or MySpace. In addition, just think back to high school and the homesickness you felt back then. You got over that, right? Otherwise, you wouldn't be graduating from college. You'll get over this too.
Anxiety about Academics
For some, senioritis hits big time, and worrying about grades is a thing of the past. However, for some students, good grades senior year are important, especially if you're applying to grad school or in danger of not graduating. And in many cases, the classes you take in your major are the toughest senior year, so even if you're not frantic about your grades, you may be overwhelmed with work -- at the same time that you're looking for a job or completing an internship!
Fortunately, you've been at this for awhile. Take everything you've learned about good college study skills and use this information. Avoid the temptation to slack off, because by now, you know that you'll regret this.
Surviving Senior Year
Seniors have an awful lot on their minds -- so if you're not as carefree as you expected, that's just fine! Use the resources you've learned so far about finding a job, studying, homesickness, and keeping things in perspective, and you'll find yourself enjoying your senior year regardless of your anxieties.
Your Upcoming Graduating Can Feel Overwhelming
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