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Final year has crept up on you, and with dissertation deadlines fast approaching, it is easy to develop tunnel vision and you hurtle yourself towards that concluding paragraph. But, once you have handed in your final draft, it soon becomes apparent that your university journey has come to an end, and it is now time to take on a new adventure – the real world.
It’s a scary concept, we know. But, luckily for you, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your transition from student to society is a smooth one. Check out our top tips below.
Research your chosen career
When you started your course all of those years ago, we bet you were certain you wanted to work in a specific role, and that your time at university would all build up to that. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and if you have now decided that career isn’t for you, it can be stressful trying to pinpoint and identify another route.
And sometimes, your university may not offer the support you need. A recent Yugo survey revealed that 42% of UK students said that their university could have provided more careers advice to help prepare them for their future careers. Fortunately, you have the power to forge your own path.
The main point here is to not overthink things. Take the time to reflect internally on what you have learned during your higher education journey, and what interested you the most. What are you passionate about? What do you enjoy doing? Make a list of those things, and then research careers that involve those traits.
It is important to remember that you don’t need to have your mind made up from the get-go. Check out intern opportunities that can help you trial different roles and responsibilities in a company that interests you. Remember, you have time, and you are qualified - so prioritise finding a fulfilling career that won’t give you the Sunday scaries 🫣.
Build your skills
According to a recent Yugo survey, 50% of students said that their university could have offered more work experience/internship opportunities to help prepare them for their future careers. So, why not take measures into your own hands? Once you have a vague idea about the industry you are interested in, it’s time to upskill.
Are there any summer volunteering placements or internships you can take on? How about online courses or certificates you can complete? Do you have a portfolio that you could dedicate some time to? In the world of jobs, having a little more experience than your peers can be the cherry on top for employers – especially if you have demonstratable results - so it is worth looking into!
Get your finances in order 💸
Once your student loans stop hitting your bank account, it can be a worrying prospect. Where will your next paycheck be coming from? In the interim between leaving university and securing your ‘dream job’, it is a great idea to take on a side hustle or part-time job to keep your finances afloat.
Remember, the process of researching roles, interviewing, and securing a job after university can take longer than you initially expected (or you might find your dream role instantly!) – so it is a great idea to have a financial backup during that time.
Certain part-time jobs have more benefits than others, and can better suit your lifestyle. Love coffee and only want to work mornings? A breakfast shift at Starbucks sounds like a great shout. Got a passion for fashion but always end up spending too much at the retail park? We heard Zara employees get 25% off, and free clothes to wear as uniform. It’s all about choosing a role that suits your routine – bonus points if it provides experience for the career you’re working towards!
Consider putting a budgeting and savings plan in place, just like you did during your time at university.
Work your network
If there is one thing that can help bolster your career, it’s having the right contacts in the right places. ‘Your network is your network’ or whatever those cringey LinkedIn influencers say – and whilst this is a cheesy quote, it is actually true in most circumstances.
So, before you finish your time at university, make sure you keep in touch with your course mates, lecturers, and any guest speakers you have come into contact with. You never know when you will cross paths again later in your career.
Additionally, try to attend networking events for your trade as much as possible. These can be online seminars, drinks and nibbles, or full blown industry events – any place where you can get your name out there and speak one-on-one with inspiring professionals in your field. Connect with them and make them remember you!
Consider your living circumstances 🏠
Once you finish your course, it is time to move out of student accommodation. But, you can still choose to live with your friends! Most post-graduate students choose to re-locate to wherever their career path takes them, so it is a great idea to some sort of path decided before you begin looking for accommodation. Remember, there is no shame in returning to your family home – now is the time to prioritise what is best for you!
Your next feminist inspiration based on your university course 🤓
We have taken a research deep-dive to find some of the most inspirational women for university students to look up to, based on the UK’s most popular chosen course subjects. From revolutionary scientists to code cracking engineers – these wise, witty, and wonderful women are sure to spark inspiring thoughts and share important messages.
One thing we do recommend whilst you are personalising your student digs is investing in a houseplant. 21% of Gen Z individuals class themselves as ‘plant parents’ , the largest percentage in this study of age groups. This is believed to stem from the desire to care for a living thing – nurturing something other than ourselves. Deep.
Studying is, of course, part and parcel with attending university. But, it’s no big secret that some students take it more seriously than others. From finding a quiet secluded area, to creating your very own study playlist – it’s actually been proven that your study space can play a huge role in how effectively you learn. So, what does your chosen study space say about you?
5 reasons to study abroad and how to find accomodation? 🏢
Studying abroad has many benefits, from personal development, to improving your job prospects. But, it can also be a huge leap to take, especially if you’ve not travelled much before. If you’re still deciding whether studying overseas could be for you, here are five reasons why we think it could be life changing.
One of those decisions is choosing where to live. Many people think their only option is to live on-campus in halls of residence. But, a growing number of students are choosing to live in purpose-built student accommodation off-campus. If you’re still a little unsure which accommodation could be right for you, don’t worry – we’ve got you. We’ve compared the benefits of living off-campus VS on-campus to help you decide.
So, how do you make your ‘home away from home’ a place you are proud to present? Yugo has tirelessly trawled through TikTok to discover and reveal its top five must-have Amazon finds to update your space for 2023 – so you can create the ultimate destination to return to after a long day of lectures… or a longer evening on the dance floor.
How to live the green life: Top student hacks to reduce your impact on the planet 🌏
We’re here to reveal its top tips to reduce your carbon footprint and increase your sustainability – without putting a huge dent in your maintenance loan. Check out our handy hacks here...
Moving away from home can be challenging in many ways, but being in charge of your own money can be one of the trickiest ones. In fact, in our recent survey, 37% of UK students found it difficult to manage their finances and budget effectively when living away from home.
The unwritten rules of the shared university kitchen revealed 🧹
We've compiled a handy list of things to establish with your flat mates from the get go, so your shared accommodation journey is smooth and straightforward. Let’s go…
Thinking about going Postgrad? Here's what you need to know 🎓
Whether you’re looking to do a Masters, Doctorate, Postgraduate certificate or Postgraduate diploma, the experts here at Yugo have the lowdown on what it’s like to carry on your studies.
