Leaving college can be one of the most exciting but also most overwhelming times in your life. You suddenly go from routine and timetables to having nothing planned at all. It’s natural to feel a little insecure about it all but don’t fret, life post-college really is the start of the most exciting chapter of your life. Here are 10 things you have to do after leaving college.
You’ve spent the past few years getting an education, now it’s time to get out there and get some learning done outside of the classroom. Whether you take a short trip, a gap year or twenty gap years, travelling really is one of the best things you do after leaving college.
Along getting to explore new places, travelling will throw you more adventures, friends and lessons than you ever would have expected. Plus if you’re not quite sure what you want to do now you’ve left college, there’s no better way to get inspired than by travelling the world.
All of those late night study sessions and post-exam treats have probably played havoc on your waistline, right? Well, life after college is the perfect opportunity to get back on track and get fit. Join a gym, go jogging with a friend or even just up your steps, getting fit will help you feel more in control of your life and it’s a really healthy and fun way to fill your spare time.
Hobbies are something that are underrated but unless you want to spend your entire day watching Netflix, they are important to have. Whether it’s music, writing, cooking or sports, there’s never a better time to find new hobbies than in your spare time after leaving college.
The time right after you’ve left college is the best time to work for free and really get some work experience behind you. It’s probably one of the last times that you’re living at home so take advantage of being rent and responsibility-free and get yourself a work placement. Whether it’s in an area that you know you’re interested in or something completely random, no amount of work experience is too much.
You don’t have to stop learning just because you’ve left college. Why not consider further education, doing an apprenticeship, take evening classes in something you’ve always fancied learning or even sign up for an online course. There are so many opportunities out there to learn new skills and many of them are completely free.
The next few years are going to bring a lot of changes but in the meantime, enjoy spending time with your friends and family while you’re all in one place. Have as many movie nights, lunch dates, walks and catch-ups over coffee as you possibly can.
You definitely do not need to have your whole life planned out after leaving college but it does bear some thinking it. Jot down some ideas for your future, try new things, talk to friends and family or even speak to someone for career advice. You don’t need to make any decisions now but it might put you at ease to at least have a few ideas in your mind.
If you’re itching to get out there and start getting some money then it’s time to look for a job. Try treating job hunting like a job. Sleeping in until the afternoon isn’t going to get you anywhere. Instead, wake up early, get dressed and start the job hunt. Remember that these things take time so don’t let yourself feel defeated if you don’t hear anything straight away. With a little determination, you’ll find something that’s right for you.
Who knows what life post-college is going to throw at you? New jobs, new adventures or a new place to call home, life after college is one crazy adventure and the best thing you can do is just sit back and enjoy the ride. The best way to handle it is to challenge yourself to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. A job offer, that date, that spontaneous adventure with your best friend. Chances are you’ll only regret the things you didn’t do and the latter just makes for good stories.
This is a pivotal point in your life so it’s important to document it. The time after you’ve left college is a great time to start keeping your journal. Jot down your adventures or set yourself goals. In a few years time, you’ll love having something to look at and reflect on how far you’ve come.
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