Staying Motivated in the Last Semester(s) of Your Undergrad

By Melissa

As I sit here trying to formulate a 2000+ word essay, the final assignment for one of the last courses in my undergraduate degree, all I can think is “so close…yet so far.” My four years in university has been a whirlwind, and time certainly has flown by.

There’s a lot of things I’m feeling. Stress. Anxiety. Worry. Happiness. Doubt. Confusion. Fear. Joy. Celebration. But more recently, there’s been a lump in my throat and a pit in my stomach.

I’m terrified. Not of the uncertainty about the future or of being pushed head first into the hole that is adulthood — but of saying goodbye. Saying goodbye to my undergraduate degree means saying goodbye to memories — the good, the bad, and the brilliant. It means saying goodbye to an entire stage of life that is coming to an end. In the midst of it all, the anticipation rises, though it has been looming for months, and it’s so hard to stay focused.

There’s pressure from friends, family, and random people in the street who find out you’re graduating (“so what’s next for you?”… “what are your plans after graduating?”). Everyone wants to know that answer to the lifelong question — what’s next?

In the last several weeks, I’ve found it challenging to stay focused on the tasks at hand — finishing final papers, tying loose ends, and attempting to enjoy the time I have. Here are a few insights I’ve gained about staying motivated in the last semester(s) of your undergrad.

Make a schedule

Plan your days and make use of time effectively. Setting aside time to socialize and time to work makes it so much easier to balance. I’ve planned out most of my days until the end of April. It’s hard to stick to it sometimes, but it really helps ease the stress.

Avoid procrastination

Yes, we’ve all most likely been trying to do this for our entire degree. But, in the last few weeks, it’s even more important. The sooner you finish your work, the sooner you are free. Making a schedule will help with this. Delaying the last paper of your degree until the last minute won’t feel great.

Talk about it

After four or five years in university, you’ve gained a license to complain. Sometimes you just need to rant or get your feelings out or scream into a pillow. Find solace in your friends who are graduating, and if you need to all complain together, do it!

Tell people to go away

For the people in your life who aren’t about to graduate — other friends or family — it’s okay to tell them to buzz off for now (very nicely though). Not everyone understands the pressure, emotions, or experiences you may be going through right now, and sometimes it’s healthy to just let people know that you’re going to be busy and stressed and that you don’t have the capacity to put energy into them — and that’s okay. You can all celebrate when you’re done.

Take time for self care

Sometimes the stress becomes too much and it’s absolutely necessary to take time for yourself. Have a bath, go for a walk, or do some colouring — whatever gives you a break and makes you feel better.

Change your environment

Are you studying/working in the same spot in the library every single day? Try changing your environment — go to a different library, a common space, or a local café — it can really help you get out of writer’s block or studying lulls.

Start a study group

Get together with some friends or peers and work alongside each other. Encourage each other and talk about course concepts if that’s helpful. Peer edit each other’s papers or quiz each other with flashcards.

Think about the future

Yes, it may feel like it’s so close yet so far (I feel ya), but the future is closer than you think. Soon it’ll be summer, and you’ll be working, travelling, or heading on a new adventure (or whatever is next for you). It’s okay to think about being done.

Don’t think about the future

On the other hand, it can be distracting to think about the future. Stay focused on the tasks at hand, and if you don’t have a “what’s next” planned, don’t dwell on it. It’s more important to remain motivated and finish your degree on a high note.

Staying motivated in the last few weeks is so hard, but I promise that if I can do it, you can do it. Don’t give up on the last four or more years of hard work — it’ll be worth it.