So, you’re just about to graduate from uni. But now what? One of the biggest chapters of your life has just come to an end and you don’t really know what to do with yourself. You’ve spent at least 3 years working towards this degree, made so many memories and met so many people. Leaving can give you a feeling of emptiness like you don’t know what to do now. The big wide world awaits, but you may not feel like you’re ready for that. Fortunately, that’s where I come in. Here are some tips on how to deal with post-graduation depression this summer.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
This may sound silly but acknowledge your feelings. Uni is a massive stage in life, so leaving it can feel scary. Allow yourself to feel these feelings. Starting adulthood can be a very scary prospect, but you should give yourself time to process the end of your time at university before moving into the world of adulthood. It’s better to get it out now than let it bottle up.
Stay In Contact With People From Uni
Again, this may sound silly, but stay in contact with people from uni! You’ve spent a good chunk of the last three years (or more) together, and while you may not be living in the same place anymore, they will also be going through the same sort of things as you. You won’t be able to keep in touch with everyone you meet but keep in contact with your closest friends and you can help each other through this stage of your lives.
Find Something New
If you don’t have a job or something else lined up after graduation, then you will suddenly have a lot of free time on your hands. If you’re the kind of person that needs structure in your day, then leaving uni means that structure and order go out the window. So, why not find something new? Whether it’s learning a new language, learning a skill like first aid or something else, learning a new skill can not only help you to boost your CV, but it can also give you something to do to fill that post-uni void.
Check out this article on some of the best (mostly free!) courses that you can do after graduating from university.
Try to relax
Yes, while you have left the safety blanket of university behind, that doesn’t mean that you have to start making fast and bold decisions about your life now. We know that it’s easier said than done but try not to stress. Instead, spend some time relaxing and thinking about what you want to do in the future (or even just the next few months.) You never know when something completely unexpected may come along.
Talk To Someone
If the post-graduation depression is really hitting you hard, then talking to someone about these feelings may help. Whether it’s a family member, a friend, a partner, or a stranger through a mental health organisation, if you feel like you need to talk to someone, you should. There will be people in your life who have gone through a similar set of feelings to the ones you’re experiencing now, so reach out. They may be able to help you.
Here is a list of important numbers of charities that you can talk to if you feel like you need to (these numbers are for the UK, there are other options if you’re an international student):
- Mind – 0300 304 7000
- Samaritans – 116 123
- The Mix – 0808 808 4994
- YoungMinds – 0808 802 5544
Leaving university and starting adulthood is a difficult time, there’s no doubt about that. Whether you know exactly what you want to do after uni or not, the transition from uni to adulthood is a big one. Post-graduation depression is a very real thing that isn’t talked about enough. If you feel like you’re going through this, reach out to someone you trust. There are people out there to support you during this difficult and stressful transition.
A student from University of Nottingham.
