So many people will tell you that your time at university is some of the best years of your life – and they’re not wrong. Your parents are unequivocally proud of you, you’re studying something you actually like and care about – and you finally have ultimate freedom in order to have the best social life you’ll ever have. What’s not to like?

The problem is all good things must come to an end – and that includes your time studying at university. The average course spans over around three or four years, which might seem like a long time – but trust us, it goes quickly. It then becomes time to step into adult life, which is a LOT less appealing, but it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom! If you’re newly graduated and the post-university blues are hitting hard, our survival tips will help you through.

Make a Start Today

Procrastination is one of the biggest thieves of productivity – and that’s a fact. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing in life – it could be that one day you’ll be looking into SEO Consultant, or you’re even just trying to muster up the motivation to start the gym early January – or in your case, that you’re trying to move forward with life after university. Whatever you’re doing, the best way to combat procrastination is by making a start. In the words of Nike – “just do it”.

It doesn’t matter what your next step is. You could be jumping straight into a job with a marketing agency like Assertive-media, you might take a gap year to travel and decide what you want in the long term, or it could be that the studying doesn’t stop there, and you need to move forward into your Masters or Ph.D. Everyone’s plan is different, but the advice we’re giving remains the same. Get started as soon as you can.

You aren’t getting any younger, and time isn’t going to go slower – in fact, it’s only going to speed up. This is the time when you should be grabbing everything you want with both hands, so go for it!

Take a Breath, and Stay Calm

Sure, we’re talking about motivation and productivity and avoiding procrastination – but do also remember to take a deep breath, and stay calm throughout. 

If you’re desperately looking for a job or a so-called “path” to take but you don’t know what that is yet, then don’t worry! The answer will come in time.

What we’re really saying is, if you know where you want to go next, don’t put it off. But if you’re not sure, then don’t panic, there’s no rush at this point. You still have time, despite your years at university coming to an end, to decide what’s right for you. Don’t rush your decision, and don’t put unbearable pressure on yourself. The answer will come in time.

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

This is one of the big ones. Don’t, under any circumstances, compare yourself to other people. 

One of the things that affects peoples’ overall happiness in life, above all else, is the pressure to be doing the same as other people – which is often spurred by the act of comparing yourself to them. 

Now, one of the most common times this occurs is when major changes happen – and leaving university as a graduate, is unarguably one of these times. It can be so easy to look at what all of your fellow graduates are currently up to, and to compare your own current situation – but don’t. it’s damaging to your own wellbeing and is utterly unproductive.

It doesn’t matter if someone got a job immediately, or decided to study further when you’re still deciding what you’re going to do. That’s their choice, and their journey – and your big changes will happen when the time is right for you.

Don’t Take Rejection to Heart

Finally, if you are applying for jobs, then don’t take rejection to heart. 

It’s perfectly normal not to walk straight into the first job you apply and interview for, so don’t sweat it. Remember that for every job there are thousands of applicants – and some of them will have been trying for far longer than you. Think of every interview as interviewing experience, and take it from there. It’s character building, and the more you do it, the better you get. One day you’ll walk in, and the job will be as perfect for you as you care for it!