Spring Break Scaries: Dealing with Senioritis

🗓️ March 18, 2026

✍🏾 Zoe Bowden 

With graduation soon approaching, and trying to get back into the swing of things after a restful spring break, it’s easy to feel like your motivation is walking out the door. After years of assignments, deadlines, and long nights spent studying, senioritis hits HARD. The finish line is so close, yet it feels like I am dragging and forcing myself to do the bare minimum. However, this final stretch is more important than one may think. How you finish can shape your confidence, your opportunities, and your transition into life after college. Here are five practical ways to push through senioritis and finish strong.

#1 Reconnect with Your "Why"

When those inevitable late, long nights come and you find yourself ready to give up, think back to why you are getting your degree in the first place. Whether its a career goal, financial stability or to make your family proud, reconnecting with that deeper reason may just be the push you need to keep going. 

Try journaling in the morning the next few weeks, it can help to set your intention for the day and help motivate you to finish the school year off strong. Seeing what you’re working toward, whether it's grad school, a job, or even just stability, can make your current responsibilities feel more meaningful. One of my personal favorite journals for setting intentions and reminding me to be grateful is The Five Minute Journal. Just five minutes in the morning and five minutes at night, and helps me to go into each day with a purpose.

#2 Break Things into Smaller Wins

Senioritis normally stems from being overwhelmed and/or mentally drained. Instead of focusing on how much is left, take everything as one step at a time. Break assignments, projects, and even studying into small, manageable tasks. Completing one discussion post, one page, or one application at a time builds momentum. Progress takes time, as completing one task at a time will help you to see progress being made. I personally try to make a to-do list each day on cute paper. For example, this cute notepad from etsy. Romanticizing your tasks with this cute paper could help you get your tasks completed.

#3 Create a Routine that Works for You

I would not recommend creating a vigorous, finish off the school year strong schedule, that will only lead to more burnout (unless you are just THAT mentally strong and disciplined). Instead just create light structure in your day, to build consistency

Set a simple daily routine:

• A set time to wake up
  
  

• A few dedicated hours for schoolwork
  
  

• Time blocked for job searching or future planning
  
  

This balance helps you stay productive without feeling overwhelmed during your final semester.

#4 Stay Connected to People that Motivate You

Senioritis only gets worse when you isolate yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and mentally “checked out”, there’s a good chance your peers are too. Surrounding yourself with people who also want to finish the year off strong can help motivate you. Study with friends, check in on each other’s progress, or even talk openly about burnout.

If you’re anything like me, you do not find it easy to connect with others or share how you’re feeling easily. In these cases, I recommend finding a content creator or public figure who motivates you. A few of my favorites are @clarkepeoples, @hali.jama, and @jillian.bruno. All of these women have either graduated or are about to graduate. They work incredibly hard and are super inspiring. 

#5 Start Visualizing Life After Graduation

Sometimes senioritis isn’t just laziness, it’s uncertainty. The transition after college can feel intimidating, which can cause avoidance.

Instead of ignoring it, try to:

• Update your resume
  
  

• Apply for jobs or internships
  
  

• Research career paths
  
  

Taking small steps toward your future can actually increase your motivation, because it makes graduation feel real and exciting rather than stressful. I have been manifesting lately. Making pinterest boards and journaling as if my dream life is already mine. A Howard alum, Ari Davis, owner of STRIPT, released a manifestation journal. Ari, is another woman that motivates me to finish the year off strong. 

Senioritis is normal, especially after years of hard work. But this last stretch isn’t just about finishing, it’s about how you finish. Staying consistent, even when motivation is low, builds discipline and confidence that will carry into your career and beyond.

You’re closer than you think!