I just finished Uni...so what now?

University is finally over, the day we have waited for has arrived and now we are just waiting on Graduation, so like... what now?

So many graduates feel like once university is over we have had a weight taken off our shoulders and a brand new one placed called adulthood. As scary as this sounds it is true, we have in reality graduated from childhood. You watch your friends from university move onto jobs, masters, travelling and other great things and you feel so unsure on what path you want to take. You are NOT alone. You have time to think and decide and I have gathered some tips from students on how to help.

Straight after submission

The first steps are begun after final submission (don't worry if yours was weeks or months ago). These focus on organisation and winding down.

1. Clean out your laptop/computer

Firstly, let's sort out that laptop/computer it's been through a lot and let's be honest your desktop is not social distancing right now it is? Sort out and move all your drafts to your bin and create a folder called University. Here you can keep final dissertations, portfolios and other important work that will be helpful in the future.

2. Clean your room/living space

Secondly, lets clean that space! Throw on a bop and start from one corner and deep clean. Nothing feels better than a clean living space. Change your bed sheets, do that laundry and wash those dishes.

3. Pamper yourself

Throw on a face mask, get your nails done, take a bath. Do whatever you can to relax your mindset you deserve it! If you are not into pampering, play your favourite game, go on a walk do something that will bring down your stress levels.

4. Get your sleeping pattern back

Take two days after your submission to really work on your sleeping pattern. You will have a clean room, no deadlines and time to work on yourself. Remember, 7-8 hours is the right amount of sleep, anything less or above may cause you to be tired. Light a candle, throw on your PJ's and just relax!

5. See your friends!

You've missed them and they probably missed you too! Visit your nearest pub and book a table of 6 and just be around people (safely of course). It's time to get back to normal and see your friends and family.

Ok... I have done that. Now what?

Now this is the serious part, it's time to think of your next steps! Your mind will be asking you too many questions now so just remember to STAY CALM!

1. Do I want a job?

It's true, you have to work now, there is not more SFE/W/S/NI that will get you by (kinda). This doesn't mean you are a failure if you haven't gotten your dream job straight away 73% of graduates do not find their dream job straight away. If this is the case for you then don't worry. Times are hard as it is and you can always work elsewhere until that opportunity comes back. Any job is a job.

2. I want to travel

As my mum always would say "The world is your oyster". Travelling can be fun and if you have this amazing opportunity then you are VERY lucky. If you cannot afford it right now, don't stress. Find a any job and save up whether it is £10 a week, month or even quarterly it will all add up. If you are lucky enough to find a job that allows travel then go for it!

3. What about freelance? I am only a graduate! No one will know me...

BUILD A PORTFOLIO! Work with your friends, start small and enter competitions. You will get there, social media is big now. Contact that person you have been stalking for months wishing you could work together, if they blank it's their loss.

4. I want to continue education

Do it! If you feel you can push yourself further then do it. Even if you want to do a PG in something unrelated to your UG. That's still amazing! You got this!

5. I don't like what I have graduated in...

If you have fallen out of love with what you graduated in don't worry this is completely normal! You have just been through it for the last 3-4 years it may have bored you or it may not be for you anymore. Firstly, you can look for training jobs in something else you are interested in and see what they can offer you. Secondly, is there any other sector you can go down with you degree? For example, if you done Fashion Design could you do a short course in business and find a job in Fashion Business? Or would you like to do a PGCE and become a teacher? There is so many options just RESEARCH!

6. Do what makes YOU happy

If none of the above are winning you over right now that's fine! You have to do what makes YOU happy.

At the end of the day, this life yours and anything you do is fine. It's hard out there but you can make it beautiful. We made it this milestone, I wish you all the luck on the rest.

CONGRATULATIONS ON FINISHING UNIVERSITY!

Lots of love,

Stef xx