We hope that you’ve had a fantastic time at university - you should be so proud of your achievements! But we know it can be a bit daunting working out what’s next. We’ve put together some useful information to set you up for wherever you decide to go.
We hope that you’ve had a fantastic time at university, and you should be really proud of your achievements. But we know it can be a bit daunting working out what’s next, so we’ve provided some useful information to set you up for wherever you decide to go.
Mental Health
It has been a busy (and disrupted) few years so it's natural to feel like you need a break. Make sure to take some time with friends and family and do activities you enjoy! It's completely normal to feel nervous, and sometimes down, about leaving your student years. These ‘post-uni blues’ are very common with 49% of students saying their mental health declined after leaving university (City Mental Health Alliance). The change of routine and responsibilities will take some getting used to and that’s okay! It's highly likely that your friends are all feeling the same, so make an effort to check in on them and support each other. There is lots of support available if you feel you need some professional advice.
- Give Grad a Go - Top tips for taking on the post-uni blues.
- NHS Talking Therapies - Free and confidential therapy service that you can self-refer to.
- Mind - Great resources and local mental health support.
Careers
If jumping into the working world is next for you, your first step should be to speak to the University’s Careers Service. You can access the support of the advisors for two years after you graduate, so make sure to get in touch. They can help you with your applications, CVs, interview skills, and what to do if you have no idea what to do!
Some top tips for finding your grad job:
- Make sure your social media is professional. This means changing any potentially embarrassing usernames and profile pics whilst promoting yourself and all your achievements. If you haven’t already, set up a LinkedIn profile. The Careers Service has a useful guide for creating a strong profile.
- Keep your options open. You don’t have to walk straight into your dream role, every job gives you valuable experience and expands your employable skills.
- Make sure you tailor your applications and cover letters to the role. It can be tempting to simply copy and paste content but this will not get you the job. It may take longer but applying your experience to the job description is what catches the eye of the recruiter.
Take a look at these helpful articles for more information:
Housing
If you're worried about where you'll be living after graduation, please get in touch with us. You should get in contact with your local council which has a duty to support you if you are vulnerable to homelessness. You can get immediate support from Shelter, which runs online and phone helplines.
If you are looking to rent privately by yourself or with friends, make sure you know all your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Take a look at the resources and advice provided by Citizens Advice. At the moment, the price of utilities is extremely high so make sure to factor this into your budgeting. You can use price comparison websites such as Uswitch and Money Supermarket to ensure you are getting the best deal possible.
Money
After your last student loan payment, you may be concerned about managing your money or where your income is coming from next. If you are employed, it's important to budget your money. Using the Take Home Calculator, check out how much income you'll have per month after tax and National Insurance to make informed financial decisions.
If you are yet to secure employment or are in financial difficulty, you may be eligible for Universal Credit. Take a look at the government Benefits Calculator and check your eligibility on the government website. It's important if you are struggling to seek impartial advice as soon as possible from organisations such as Citizens Advice.
If you have any questions or worries about what’s next for you, you can get in touch with a student advisor by emailing advice@su.rhul.ac.uk and we will be happy to point you in the right direction.