The Truth To Life After University And Being An “Adult”

There are lots of things post-uni to get excited about. But, there's a lot of things that we don't get told about too. Read on to hear a few truths about life after university and entering into adulthood. Ugh.

There are lots of things post-uni to get excited about. Finally, you can earn more than minimum wage, there are no more exams, and yes, you will eat more than a bowl of pasta every day. But, there’s a lot of things that we don’t get told about too. Read on to hear a few truths about life after university and entering into adulthood. Ugh.

1. Finding a job might be hard

Nobody expects you to walk straight into an office in your cap and gown, but generally, it’s expected that you’ll have a job within a few months. This could be a complete underestimation. First, you have to decide on a career, and then you have to get it. Don’t be disheartened if 6 months later you aren’t where you want to be. You won’t be super successful in your immediate life after university.

2. Tax is annoying AF

Earning money is great- think after work cocktails, payday splurges, and saving for your own place, but the worst thing about it is seeing a lot more than you expected to be taken away from you. It’s painful, but essentially must be done if you like the NHS.

3. Budgeting

Finances again? Yeah, sorry about that, but budgeting has got to be acknowledged. Perhaps the most stressful and equally boring part of life after university is working out what you can spend on different things. Plans to NOT go on on Friday night? No, ta.

4. Learning to cook

Since being too poor to afford decent food, and having no time to eat anything but a ready meal is no longer an excuse, you’ve gotta figure out how to cook. This could either be a great thing or the worst time in your life depending on how you look at it.

5. Sleep doesn’t last as long

Napping in the middle of the day disappointingly gets replaced with working 9-5, and post-lecture crawling into bed gets replaced with commutes. You will get at least 3 hours less sleep per day, and will most definitely start waking up at 7 am on weekends. This might be the worst news flash of all.

How To Speak Up For Yourself When You’re New To A Career

6. Moving back home

Yeah, you might spend Summer, Easter and Christmas at home anyway, but you’re always comforted by the fact you’re going back to uni. When you finish, that comfort is no more. Freedom and control are no longer yours, and you most definitely will get criticised for day long hangovers.

7. Hangovers are 10x worse

This is for two reasons. No. 1, you will start to drink only on weekends, worsening your hangover tolerance. No. 2, when you wake up after a heavy night, there’s probably stuff you have to do. Like go to the dentist, or get in a food shop.

8. Goodbye student discount

The day you can’t get 10% off ASOS, and a free McFlurry when you buy a meal at Maccies is the day you realise you’ve made adulthood. This is it. Full price hell.