Graduating in December means finishing all your classes and requirements mid-school year and getting your diploma just in time for the holidays. It might not come with wrapping paper and a bow, but it’s a pretty impressive gift. If you’re a winter grad or are thinking about graduating next winter, take a look at this list of perks that can come with finishing college in December.
Save Money
If you’re graduating early, that’s one less semester’s worth of fees and costs that spring up between classes. Dealing with student loan payments after college is challenging, which can help cut some of those costs you’ll face.
Get a Head Start on the Job Search
Most college students graduate at the end of the spring semester, so not surprisingly, that’s when most students start seeking job openings and interviews. It’s tough to juggle term papers and final exams with job hunting. But since you’re graduating in December, you can use the extra time to get a head start on that hunt. While you’re free from the classroom, other college seniors will still be hitting the books, so there’ll be less job competition. And less competition means better chances for you!
Take a Break
Graduating in December means you can experience summer vacation as you never have before—in the winter! If you’re in a snowy climate, go out and hit the slopes or sled down your favorite childhood hill, but take advantage of the snowy months you have without school or homework taking up your time. No matter what you do, try to give yourself a break; you deserve it after all of your hard work and accomplishments!
Plan Your Next Step
If you’re graduating early, you can take the extra time to think and consider what you want to do next. You don’t have to worry about more tests and finals; you’ve got your diploma now! Take a little time to reflect and contemplate your future while your friends are working on their spring semester. If you’re not sure what your next move should be, don’t worry. You’re not alone in not knowing, and what’s more, you’re ahead of the game.
It Can Give You Extra Time
For some, graduating in December doesn’t mean graduating early; it means taking an extra semester. And if you take an additional semester of college, you can get the chance to take that class or two you always wanted to take but could never fit into your schedule. You can get your requirements taken care of without overbooking yourself, or you can make up for lost credits or incompletes. And you’ll graduate in December, which isn’t far behind when you might have originally thought you’d take your diploma. Of course, what matters is just that you are finishing school and earning your degree.
This article was initially published in November 2013 and has been updated.
