Information for Seniors

On Campus:

• Be aware of move out dates and have a plan for housing after you move out.
• Know what to expect if you will be moving out of campus housing for the first time.
• Make sure you budget for: monthly rent, renter’s insurance, utility bills, etc.
• Check reviews and advocate for yourself during housing issues (e.g. flooding, maintenance issues, bugs, etc.).

Off Campus/Commuters

• Be aware of the rental dates. You may be responsible for rent throughout the summer, even if you plan to relocate after graduation.

• If you think you might go to graduate school, complete the FAFSA.
• The application usually opens Oct. 1.
• The earlier you submit it, the more fundings will be available for the grants and scholarships for which you are eligible.
• Find out when your student loans enter repayment.
• Some or all of your student loans could have a six-month grace period before you need to start repaying. This is ideal because it gives you time to get a job after graduation and make sense of your income before you have a new bill to pay.
• Other loans could enter repayment right after graduation. Contact your lender(s) to figure out when your student loans enter repayment.
• Potential financial aid opportunities and non-federal scholarships for non-citizens from the U.S. federal government

• Check in with an advisor to review remaining requirements. Some colleges may refer to this as a senior audit.
• Think about future plans: Do you want to go to grad school? Get a job? What do you need to be doing to meet these goals?

Graduation

• Both undergraduate and graduate students must apply for a diploma no later than the end of the Schedule Adjustment period at the beginning of the semester in which they intend to graduate. Applications can be processed on Testudo or in person at the Office of the Registrar, First Floor Lobby, Mitchell Building.
• Regalia (Cap and Gown):
  Students must purchase their regalia for commencement: www.commencement.umd.edu/graduation-regalia-information
• For information on Commencement (the ceremony) please refer to the University’s website: www.commencement.umd.edu

• Discuss your post-college plans with your family.
• Share commencement information.

• If possible, complete an internship.
• Visit the Career Center (https://careers.umd.edu/) to talk about career options, prepare your resume and practice interviews.
• Prepare your references for grad school applications and/or jobs.
• Clean up your social media accounts.
• Sometimes it can take months to find a job in your field. What will you do in the meantime?

• Serve as an officer or committee chair for your student organization to gain leadership experience.
• Seek out mentors to support you through your academic and professional career.
• Volunteer as a mentor for first and second year students.
• Participate in service learning opportunities sponsored by UMD.