7 College Grads on the One Thing They Wish They’d Done as Seniors

As a final-semester senior in college, I’m currently living through the whirlwind of memory-making, emotional goodbyes, and the looming reality of “what comes next” that makes up the last year of undergrad. There’s so much excitement and uncertainty, and I’m trying my best to find the balance between soaking in every moment and setting myself up for the future.

I’ve found myself wondering how other college students have spent their last year — and what they wished they would’ve done, looking back. So I asked seven recent college grads that I know personally just that question, and their advice does not disappoint. From seizing opportunities to simply pausing to appreciate the moment, these wisdom-filled recommendations are here to guide you (and me) through our senior year.

“The best decision I made during my senior year of college was to attend all the senior events my school put on. Not only did they create valuable memories with my friends, but they also helped me gain connections for jobs after I graduated!” —Rachel Faden, class of 2023

Senior events are more than just a good time; they’re a chance to celebrate your hard work and spend time with friends and classmates before parting ways. Events like formal dinners and Senior Week often bring together people from across campus who you might not see otherwise. Plus, these gatherings can double as networking opportunities. Attend as many as you can — they could turn out to be some of your most cherished senior year memories!

“Start career preparation early to give yourself time to complete certifications or skills. Go to the career development centers on campus — they help a ton.” —Yudylza Fernandez, class of 2024

It’s super overwhelming, but the sooner you start thinking about what to do after college, the better. Campus career centers are goldmines of resources: They offer resume reviews, mock interviews, and job postings tailored to your major. Certifications, like Google Analytics for marketing or CPR for health professions, can make your resume stand out. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small — schedule one appointment or print out your resume to bring to the career center. Taking these steps early will ease the pressure as graduation approaches and you think about your next steps.

“The best decision I made during my senior year of undergrad was speaking to my academic advisor before the year began. As a dual major, my requirements were a bit more complex than those of students with a single major. Meeting with my advisor helped me choose the right classes for my final year, ensuring I stayed on track to graduate on time and avoided unnecessary courses.” —Richard Lee, class of 2024

Your academic advisor is your biggest ally in navigating the final stretch of your degree. Even if you think you’re on track, schedule a meeting early in your final semester. Your advisor can confirm that you’ve met graduation requirements, help with class scheduling, and even offer advice on career paths or grad school options.

“One thing I wish I would’ve done differently was applying for more internships during my senior year. However, I did a good job of networking and putting myself out there a bit more. That helped a lot!” —Sade Brackner, class of 2023

Internships are invaluable for gaining real-world experience and building a professional network. Don’t assume it’s too late — many companies and organizations offer spring or summer internships for seniors. Even if you’ve never interned before, starting now can open doors as you figure out what to do after college.

“I was able to enjoy my free time and savor those last few months. Make the most out of it — you deserve to soak in every moment.” —Sybele De La Cruz, class of 2023

Procrastination is a tempting trap, but as much as you can, try to stay on top of assignments, applications, and other responsibilities. Doing so will free up time to enjoy senior traditions, spontaneous hangouts, and hopefully plenty of moments of rest, too. Using a planner or digital calendar can help you stay organized, and finishing tasks ahead of deadline might even give you the gift of a stress-free weekend — something every senior deserves. 

“If I could have done something differently, I would have done more writing outside of the classroom. My senior year contained high highs and low lows, and it would have been nice to have more written (or typed) documentation of the stories and events during that time.” —James Marci, class of 2024

Keeping a journal or blog can help you process your thoughts and capture memories that you might want to look back on later. Whether it’s a daily recap, a list of highlights, or a gratitude journal, these written reflections will become treasures that you can revisit long after graduation. 

“The best decision I made was being a yes girl! Senior year goes by so quickly, and there are so many memories to be made. I recommend not being quick to decline extra moments with college friends, or exploring more about yourself and your college town.” —Krysten Rhodes, class of 2023

In the chaos of everything you have to check off your list senior year, from wrapping up credits to decluttering before moving out, don’t forget to make as much time as possible for the fun stuff: spontaneous coffee dates, late-night adventures, and impromptu road trips, or simply silly time with friends that can only come from closing your laptop and going out. While balance is key, don’t shy away from saying “yes” to the moments that make senior year unforgettable.

Senior year is a time of growth, celebration, and preparation. Whether it’s embracing opportunities, documenting your journey, or planning for the future, the choices you make now can shape your post-college life. Take risks, savor the moments, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. I know I’m going to try to do the same. After all, this is our last year of undergrad — let’s make it count.