It has been a long time coming. Three years? Four years? Maybe even five? There have been countless late nights studying, many times where you have laughed or cried, and thousands of drinking sessions with mates.

Now, the end is near, and it’s almost like you can’t believe it. You have almost made it, you have almost finished, and you have almost walked across that stage. As you enter your last semester of your undergraduate degree, here are some things we reckon you should start spending time doing.

#1 Go To A Consult 

I know what some of you are thinking: do people actually go to these? However, if you’re asking this, you clearly have never attended one. Sometimes they can be the key to clarifying a concept that you struggled with all semester. Alternatively, you could simply attend and hear what other students are asking. Would it be too optimistic to say that you could even make a uni friend by attending?

#2 End Up At The Uni Bar (A Lot) 

The uni bar is often a meeting ground for group assignments, post-exam stress relief, or just a nice cold bevvie. So make sure you’re keeping up appearances in your last semester. Have a lunchtime beer with friends, and then roll on into your 2pm tutorial. You sure as hell won’t be doing that when you start working nine to five.

#3 Make A Friend (Or Even A Conversation) In Your Tutorial

Breaking the ice and talking to a stranger is easier said than done, but a simple “hello, my name is…” could lead to a semester of shared notes, casual chats and a familiar smile each week at your tutorial. On the other hand, you could try to talk to someone who absolutely wants none of it, but at least you can pat yourself on the back for trying.

Note to self: if that happens, rock up to a new tutorial the following week!

#4 Take In The Surroundings Of Your Campus 

Odds are your uni campus is quite the looker, but you’ve been too busy all semester (every semester) to take in your surroundings. You don’t even notice the beautiful jacaranda tree that has blossomed in the spring, or the burnt orange leaves that skip along the ground through autumn.

Eat your lunch outside and take in the serenity or stroll through campus in your spare time.

#5 Be Proud Of How Far You Have Come

University is challenging at the best of times – it’s a constant juggling act between social lives, working, and studying. Remember that time you promised yourself that you were going to drop out? You didn’t. Remember when you swore you would fail your final exam? You didn’t. Be reassured and be proud that you stuck to something that wasn’t always necessarily your favourite thing.

Being a student comes with an incredible amount of freedom, so use it. I have spoken to many people who are now working in their industry, and so many of them have told me not to take my university career for granted.

Some of us are uncertain about the future, while others are itching to begin their dream career post study. Whatever category you belong to, just remember you’re about to finish another significant chapter of your life.

Good luck “almost-graduates”. I guess you could say it’s the final countdown!

(Lead image: House Bunny/Columbia Pictures)