The final year of university comes around way too fast (and so do the emotions).
Somehow you have forgotten that by signing up to a degree you have to actually finish it, write that dreaded dissertation, and move on from student life. Naturally, it is an emotional year filled with laughs and the occasional tear. But all of it will be worth it in the end. It must be true that nothing worth having comes easy; in this case it comes with:
1) September = Feeling overwhelmed
At the start of final year, it feels like you have the biggest mountain to climb, and
it is not quite clear how to tackle it. Remember going back to primary school and forgetting how
to write properly because you spent all summer playing games? It is like that all over again.
Although it feels like you are about as useful as a chocolate teapot, once you get into the swing
of things, the reading lists will not seem as long, the dissertation will be less daunting, and the
exams will be manageable. It is a big challenge, but nothing you cannot handle
2) November = Feeling grateful
On the days you would rather stay in the comfort of your bed, you will feel immensely grateful
for the support of people around you. Family and friends from home are a phone call away and
mum always seems to know just what to say. More often than not, a housemate will have had
an equally bad day so you can put the world to rights over a Chinese takeaway, some trash tv
and a good old-fashioned moan. The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner.
Home, friends, family, and festivities await. Celebrating Christmas for the last time at university
with your friends so close by is bittersweet. The people around you really are amazing – it is such
a strange feeling having a laugh with people you met by pure luck at university.
3) February = Frustration
Humanity really could have invented anything, and we invented exams. It is that time of year
when it is cold outside and the university lifestyle is slightly overshadowed by the academic side
of university – you know, the part you joined the course for, right? Summer feels so long ago,
and you are so close but so far to the end of your degree. Is marrying rich still an option?
4) April = Stress
Does this one really need an explanation?
5) June = Proud
You did it! Every bit of hard work you put into your degree led to this moment. You have
experienced so much over the past three (or more) years. It is hard to believe how much you
have changed from the 18-year-old that first walked onto campus, how many friends have
contributed to your time here and how you survived looking after yourself. Get those
dissertation pictures and celebrate like you have never celebrated before. You can walk across
the stage at graduation with your head held high and might never have to write another essay or
sit another exam again. Bliss!