As the academic year is coming to an end, the question “what next?” sits a little more heavily on the shoulders of final year students. Our Advisors have put some ideas together to get you thinking about your next moves after graduating.
As the academic year is coming to an end, the question “what next?” sits a little more heavily on the shoulders of final year students.
While you’re only a member of the SU until you graduate (although you're always welcome to become an associate member), you can be assured that we are thinking of how to make your life better until your last day.
This article by no means has the answers to your questions about what your calling might be, but it will give you some ideas to get you started on planning your next moves once assessments are done and dusted.
First thing’s first: start thinking about your housing, budget and income after uni and get further advice and guidance if you need it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by it all, our Advice Centre can help you get started.
Pause
Don’t just start applying for any job you come across because everyone around you already seems to have offers for graduate programmes or interviews lined up. This is the start of your future and it deserves some planning and reflection, as well as expert advice.
Rest
You deserve a break! So, even if you’re having to work straight after graduation, carve out time for you. Things that will help your mind get into the right place include:
Plan
Use the Careers & Employability Service
You can use the Careers and Employability Service even after you graduate. They can help you:
- Tidy up your CV
- Explore your options
- Discover new career options
Volunteering is also a great way to obtain experience and references.
Postgraduate Study
See what the University has to offer for postgraduate study – you will get discounts on your fees if you choose to stay here. If you are interested in postgraduate study, feel free to ask your personal tutor for some advice and prepare a list of questions for them. If you’re not sure what questions to ask, our Advisors can guide you - just send them an email.
See what the University has to offer for postgraduate study – and see discounts available if you stay here. If you are interested in postgraduate study, feel free to ask your personal tutor for some advice and prepare a list of questions for them. You can sign up to be kept up to date with more information on the courses on offer, or use the Admissions Enquiry Form to ask general questions. If you’re not sure what questions to ask, our Advisors can guide you - just send them an email.
Funding
Be prepared for possible phases of unemployment and what to do if you have no income during those times. Remember that the benefits system is there to support Home and EU students during these times. If you have little or no income, you can get help with living costs, rent and council tax. The Advice Centre can give you more information if you would like to find out more. Remember to include council tax in your expenses.
Housing
If you’re worried about where you’re going to live after university, ask for some guidance now.
Advice and Guidance
As already mentioned, you can still make use of the Careers and Employability Service after you graduate. Prospects also has some useful tools and information.
After you graduate, Shelter can give you free housing advice.
The Citizens Advice Bureau offer a free service to all UK residents. They are a great starting point for any issue you have e.g. consumer problems, benefits advice, neighbour disputes etc.