As the final month of university approaches, it hits you: this chapter is closing. Whether you’re excited to leap into post-grad life, starting your first full-time job, moving cities, or clinging to every last bit of campus magic, one thing is certain — this last month is precious. It’s not just about finishing assignments or final exams; it’s about celebrating, reflecting, and trying to stay sane during this time of intense change in your life. So breathe. You’ve made it this far. Here’s a guide to making the most of your final month on campus.

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Revisit your favourite spots:
My friends and I took over the lounge on the fourth floor of the Nechako building the whole of first year. As all of our classes were online during the pandemic, we spent an unhealthy amount of time hanging out with each other there. Visiting places like this — on or off campus — can be extremely nostalgic. Even the particular smell of the building or café you hung out at can resurface happy memories. Visit those places, whether it was yapping with friends at Pritchard while stacking empty glasses, pulling all-nighters at Denny’s, walking by the lakeshore, or venting in the Commons. It’s a good way to pay homage to your past self and appreciate how far you’ve come.

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Recreate your first university picture:
I am sure everyone remembers the first picture they took when they arrived on the UBCO campus. Mine was a classic shot in front of the “University of British Columbia” sign to send to my parents back home. I had a horrible haircut and was wearing a COVID-19 mask. It is fun to recreate those pictures to document how much you have changed. I’ve had a proper glow up, with a better haircut, better clothes, and maybe even better posture. Recreating pictures from your first year, or maybe even one from each year, can be a humorous and heartwarming way to capture memories and see how much you’ve grown, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

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Thank the people responsible for your success:
Did you have a professor who inspired you? A teaching assistant who got you through a horrible class? Or maybe just a friend who helped you in a tough time? As the final month is a time to reflect, it’s important to be grateful to all the people who helped you become your best version in the past four years. Writing thank you cards to them can be a sweet gesture to show them your appreciation. Even a simple email or a quick coffee meetup can go a long way. Don’t underestimate the power of a heartfelt thank you — it stays with people.

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Explore Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley:
With spring in full swing, April is the perfect time to explore the city. If you’re a homebody like me, there’s a chance that you haven’t visited iconic places like Knox Mountain or Ok Corral. Roaming around downtown, one can also spot hidden gems like record stores, small art galleries, local cafés, and used bookstores. Rent a bike and ride the waterfront trail, or just watch the sun set over Okanagan Lake. There’s a high chance that you might be moving out of the city soon, and this can be your last time to explore Kelowna as a local, so go out there and seize the day! Make it a farewell tour of sorts.

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Study hard for your finals!
This may be an obvious one, but at the risk of sounding like your mom, study really well for your finals. This is your last chance to bump up your grade average, and finally make that academic comeback you’ve been manifesting since first year a reality. Set aside some focused time, make a good playlist, and give it one last push. End on a high and make your family and friends proud when you graduate. However, remember that grades are just a figure, and there is much more out there to focus on, like your growth, your memories, your resilience, and the friendships you’ve built. That’s what truly lasts.

Your last month at university isn’t just an end; it is a beginning dressed as a farewell. So walk around like you own the place (because, for now, you do), hug your friends tight, turn in that final assignment, and look around one more time. This chapter may be closing, but the story is just getting good. And you? You’re the author now. Write something amazing.