Five truths about student life only final-year students will know

There comes a time in every student’s life when we all become old and cynical. For most, that time comes in final year, when you’re simultaneously done with dat #studentlyf and also dreading having to leave uni forever. But being old and cynical isn’t always such a bad thing; it means you have a wealth of experience your younger compatriots don’t. If you’ve finally reached your final year of uni, these are the five truths about student life you’ll be all too familiar with.

Uni clubs aren’t all they’re cracked up to be

You vividly remember being a first year on market day, bounding from club stall to club stall as you signed up for every group that even slightly piqued your interest. You were so hopeful, already dreaming of the days you’d attend every meeting and make so many new friends. It was going to be awesome.

But then you actually started class and didn’t end up attending any club events at all, because uni work is time consuming. While clubs might seem like a great idea when you’re fresh into uni and don’t know anyone, it can actually become a bit of a chore to be an active member – especially once the hell that is assessment period descends.

Finding a secret Wi-Fi spot is an unrivalled treasure

I’m not even exaggerating with this one. If someone discovers a final-year students’ secret, blissfully quiet nook on the top floor of an underused building, which also happens to have great Wi-Fi access and is basically perfect, they will genuinely have to silence the intruder. Hey, you’ve worked hard for that spot, paid your dues by crowding in with everybody else in the library. The way you figure it, you deserve that spot purely for making it this far.

The prospect of never having to write another essay is more exciting than the next season of Stranger Things

Just imagine having a weekend where you don’t have to write an essay or even think about essays. I know, I need a moment too. Say goodbye to hours spent copying research notes from a book that was published before you were born, savour your coffee instead of guzzling it down like the life-giving sustenance it really is and just remember that one day you’ll never have to think about writing an essay ever again. Plus, just think of all the time you’ll have to catch up on your shows once you’re a shiny new grad. I think I just shed a tear of joy.

Being shit-poor has its charm, but you’re ready to be treated like the #kween you are

There’s only so much cheap beer one person can drink on a Thursday night. You’re ready to treat yo self like there’s no tomorrow. Sure, you enjoyed the creativity that a lack of cash brought about, but sometimes you just really want to spend money on more than bus fares and textbooks. We’re talking less goon and Aldi knock-offs and more champagne by the side of a rooftop infinity pool. Just let us have this.

Deep down you know a tiny part of you will miss the struggle of student life when you’re gone

It’s the little things that make your heart falter, like having to say goodbye to that one good reading spot under a tree you claimed as your own, or never getting to see the barista who gives you an extra shot for free. Sure, you’re so done when it comes to assessments and instant noodles, but there’s still a little part of you that’s always going to be a broke student. Embrace it, you’ve earned it.

Shannon Coward

Shannon Coward is a fourth year Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Arts student at the University of Queensland. She enjoys period dramas, doughnuts and a good nap.

Feature and promo image: Giphy

Digital signage image: Francisco Osorio, Flickr Creative Commons license