Whether you’re entering your first, second, or last year of college, the start of a new semester is always a fresh opportunity. It’s a chance to reset your mindset, set new goals, and explore what’s ahead. As a senior at UW-Whitewater, I want to share a few tips to help you start the year strong!

Tip #1: Find on-campus employment

As someone entering their final year and who has worked on campus all four years, I highly recommend finding an on-campus job. Look for opportunities in departments or spaces you already spend time in. For example, when I lived near Pulliam Hall during my sophomore year, I applied for and got a position at the front desk there. I currently hold two on-campus jobs, and the networking opportunities and fun moments I’ve had are unmatched. If you have free time during the week, on-campus employment is a great way to build connections and gain valuable experience.

Tip #2: Live in the present

It’s hard to believe I’m starting my last year of college. It feels like just yesterday I was moving into Wells East, excited to begin my journey. College goes by quickly, so my advice is to stay present. While it’s important to prepare for your future, don’t forget to enjoy the present. Go to events on campus—especially in the UC—say yes to spontaneous coffee runs, and take the time to connect with other students. Often, the small choices lead to the best memories.

Tip #3: Use campus advising

My first two years of college were academically challenging, and I often felt like my hard work wasn’t paying off. Meeting with an academic advisor completely changed that. Advisors can share study strategies, help you plan classes, and connect you with resources like tutoring. Many classes offer tutoring hours with students who know the material well, and those sessions made a huge difference for me. Meeting with an advisor reminded me that I wasn’t alone—there’s always support available if you ask for it.

Tip #4: Get on LinkedIn early

As a Marketing major, LinkedIn has been central to my networking journey. But no matter your major, creating a LinkedIn profile early can benefit you. LinkedIn is a professional networking platform where you can connect with classmates, professors, alumni, and employers. Even if you don’t feel like you have much to share, simply having your name, photo, and basic information out there makes an impact. Looking back, I wish I had started my profile sooner to grow my network and explore opportunities earlier.

As I begin my final year at UW-Whitewater, I’m reminded of how quickly these four years pass. Every student’s journey is unique, but staying present, building connections, and using campus resources can make all the difference. I hope these tips help you approach the semester with confidence and excitement. Most importantly, be kind to yourself and enjoy this chapter of your life.