Closing season in college housing is often described with two words: chaos and exhaustion. As student staff, you’re balancing final exams, emotional goodbyes, resident check-outs, paperwork, and last minute emergencies – often all at once. And the only thing that may be different for the full-time staff members may be final exams, as you are likely having some emotional closure to the end of this cohort of residents, leaders, and staff members on top of staying on top of closing tasks. It’s no surprise that burnout becomes a real and pressing issue this time of year.
Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired. According to the World Health Organization (2019), burnout is defined as “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” It is characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. It’s the emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that comes from prolonged stress. It can sneak up on even the most organized and enthusiastic leaders and staff members. But with some intentional strategies, it’s possible to manage the stress and finish the year strong.
Recognize the Signs Early. The first step in handling burnout is recognizing when it’s happening. Some symptoms to be aware of include: constant fatigue even after sleeping, feeling detached or unmotivated, irritability or frustration over small things, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches. Personally, when I have felt burnt out, I have almost felt an ongoing sense of nausea and emotional numbness. If you notice these signs, it’s not a personal failure – it’s your body telling you to slow down and prioritize yourself. Let your immediate manager know what is going on. If possible, it’s helpful to also identify some ways you are going to remedy the situation to the best of your ability. With the final weeks of the semester, you cannot completely disconnect but there are ways to efficiently and effectively use free time to care for yourself.
Set Small, Achievable Goals. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you look at everything that needs to get done before closing. When you can, break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of thinking “I need to close my entire floor,” shift to “Today I’ll double-check everyone’s move-out dates” or “I’ll organize my supply closet.” With the express checkout envelopes that were common in the communities I managed, I always encouraged staff members to try to address them as they come in or to stay on top of them throughout the week. Doing five rooms a day when you can is going to be much easier than waiting to do all 50 on Friday evening. Celebrate the small wins when you can leading up to the end of finals week. Each one gets you closer to the finish line.
Make Time for Micro-Breaks. When you’re rushing from one resident checkout to the next, taking a break can feel impossible. But short, intentional breaks – even for five minutes – can help you reset your energy and focus. Going for a quick walk around the building to get some fresh air, practicing deep breathing techniques, listening to a favorite song, or grabbing a snack are all great ways to take care of yourself in the moment. What I also encourage student staff and full-time staff do is to stick to your schedule. I often implemented a system in which residents had to sign up for times to checkout in advance. Just because someone arrives earlier than their scheduled time does not mean they will be immediately served; a resident’s poor planning does not constitute and emergency for staff. Try to get to them in a reasonable timeframe but, if you need to eat or need a few minutes to get a breather, they can wait. Burnout grows when we push ourselves without pause. Micro-breaks remind your body and mind that they’re still important.
Lean on Your Team. You are not in this alone. Your fellow staff members are likely feeling the same pressure. Check in with each other, offer help when you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for support. Sometimes just venting about the challenges of closing season with someone who gets it can make you feel less isolated and more understood. This is a critical reason your staff should be planning regular get-togethers during finals week. Yes, it’s the last hurrah before the team goes their separate ways but it’s also an opportunity to touch base and learn about what you can do to support one another (and share how they can support you!). And don’t hesitate to communicate with your manager if you’re feeling stretched too thin. They’re here to support you and chances are they’d rather help you adjust than see you crash and burn.
Focus on What You Can Control. There will always be things that are beyond your control – like a resident forgetting their move-out time or a last-minute facilities issue.
Instead of stewing over things you can’t fix, channel your energy toward what you can control, like your attitude, how you manage your time, and how you treat yourself and others. Give yourself permission to let go of the rest. When it is connected to a larger issue, like a check-out procedure or something of that nature, make sure to keep your manager in the loop. It may help ensure that the same mistake is not repeated for next time.
Give Yourself Grace. Finally, and most importantly, be kind to yourself. You’re juggling a lot: academics, emotions, responsibilities, relationships, and personal well-being. No one expects you to be perfect. If you mess up, miss a deadline, or feel overwhelmed, give yourself the same compassion you would give to a fellow staff member. It’s so easy to find value in your performance within this role but know that this is only a temporary hat that you will wear. Don’t let it define your value as a person. There will be mistakes and that’s okay: that’s how we refine our approach and do better next time. Closing season is tough, but so are you.
The finish line is close than it feels. While burnout during closing season is real, it doesn’t have to define your experience within this role. By setting manageable goals, taking care of your body and mind, relying on your team, and giving yourself grace, you can navigate this hectic season with strength and even a little pride. You’ve made an impact on your community this year – and that matters. You deserve to finish strong, and more importantly, to finish healthy.
Cited Source: World Health Organization. (2019). Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases. https://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/burn-out/en/
