10 Things You Should Do To Prepare You For Life After University
Third year is usually a stressful time for everyone. You have a large amount of work to do, and you have the stress of figuring out what to do next. If you are worried about what you should do before you finish your degree, here are ten things to consider and prepare for life after university.
1. What you want to do
This is an extremely hard question to ask for anyone. A great piece of advice people always tells me is always do something you love. So, no matter what that is, plan a way to get a job that you’ll enjoy. If you need to spend some time in a temporary job to help or go traveling or stay at home for a while, that’s okay. As long as you do what makes you happy. There are usually career departments at university that can help you so go see someone when you can.
2. Prepare a CV
Life after university means going into a job. Most jobs nowadays require a CV. If you make one or tweak whilst at university, there are usually people around university where you can get advice on making one. Once your done, posting them on jobsites such as Indeed and Reed can help you find a job.
3. Prepare a covering letter
Although a CV is considered more important, a covering letter is usually asked by employers. Again, try drafting one out and go see someone at university to help get it to a good standard.
4. Decide whether you want to go into a job or another degree
Although, by the end of your final year, you may be sick and tired of studying, sometimes jobs will need individuals to have an extra degree such as a Masters or PGCE. Or you want to keep studying because you haven’t finished learning yet. Either way, now is the best time to think and prepare for your next degree.
5. Where you’re going to live
Of course, this is all down to what you’re going to do after university but have a look at places for this and plan how much you are willing to spend based on your income. When considering, here are a few questions to ask:
-Who will you live with?
-How far away do you want to be from your job, shops etc
-Will you go home for a while, then sort this out later?
-If you drive, are there any parking spaces?
6. Linkedin account
I was told to do this throughout my final year during my undergraduate degree. Its basically Facebook for professionals which can see your CV. It’s a great place to look for jobs if your struggling to find any. Its also a great place to catch up with your old classmates.
7. Budgeting to pay your loans
Once you start earning £25,000 or over and have taken out a loan to help pay for your degree, a part of your income will be taken out in order to pay for it. Before that happens, budget how will come out to avoid any surprises.
8. Taxes
Life after university usually means the start of paying taxes. this will something you will have to prepare for. Depending on how much you own, depends on how much you will have to pay back. Prepare how much will come out and how much you will have to pay back.
9. Graduation
This is something that comes with excitement and dread to others. You don’t have to go if you don’t feel okay with going, but if you do, its something good to look forward to. Its a great way to celebrate the end of your degree.
10. Take a break
Of course, after all the studying and stress you’ve had to endure, its best to take a long hard break after your studies. Its best to do this (if you can) to avoid burnout it the long run. Do all the thing you’ve wanted to do and take this time to relax and unwind. Life after university can be scary and daunting so try to take a break if you can.
