Graduating from college is a major accomplishment that deserves to be celebrated. But a lot of recent grads are a bit anxious about the transition, too. That’s okay! This feeling is very common, and it’s not hard to understand where it comes from.
When you graduate, you’re stepping away from the charted course of academic life into a new kind of adult experience that’s less well-defined. During the first few post-college years, you face a different set of challenges. Often these include establishing a place to live, finding a full-time job, creating new social connections without a built-in support system, and even learning how to cook your own meals!
But instead of being overwhelmed by all of the unknowns, you can embrace this transitional period and set yourself up for a lifetime of success. Unlike in college, this experience isn’t graded—all you have to worry about is building your confidence, finding joy in the process, and judging your progress by your own standards. These life tips will help you start on the right foot, and pick up good habits with the potential for lifelong benefits.
Life Tip #1. Be flexible with your first post-college job
A lot of people get wrapped up in the idea that your first job after college has to be this huge milestone that dictates the rest of your career path. But this approach puts a ton of unnecessary pressure on recent grads who, in reality, still have plenty of time to shape their professional future. When first entering the workforce as a college graduate, all you actually have to do is start somewhere. If the job hunt is going slowly, don’t despair. Remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Set reasonable expectations. The goal is to just get yourself in the door at an organization whose work is in the ballpark of your academic interests. It’s okay if you take an entry-level position that isn’t so glamorous.
When you do start your first job, soak up the experience like a sponge. You’ll probably learn a lot about how you like to work, management styles that appeal to you, and valuable skills you want to continue improving. Whether the job turns out to be incredible or not a great fit, all of this hands-on learning will help you make informed moves in the future. You can also work toward that exciting next step outside of the office by connecting with Meetup groups dedicated to your industry, like UX Designers Network Fun.
Life Tip #2. Even though class is over, keep hitting the books
If you put in the effort to maintain the habit of regular reading outside of school, it will pay huge dividends. Not only does reading offer the joy of new worlds and new perspectives, but it’s also been linked to healthier sleep, reduced stress, lower risk of depression, prevention of cognitive decline, and longer lifespan.
Be a curious reader! Instead of limiting yourself to only one type of book, explore all sorts of genres, from classic fiction and biographies to celebrity memoirs, true crime, self-help, and infinitely more. If reading time seems hard to come by, you can even try listening to audiobooks so you can enjoy a book on the go. One of the best ways to get reading recommendations is by joining a Meetup book club, like The Book Buffet.
Life Tip #3. Learn how to cook a few healthy dishes you like
It’s okay if you don’t find a passion for being in the kitchen. But everyone can benefit from healthy home-cooked meals, and lots of recent college grads have to depend on themselves to make them. Plus, cooking your own meals can help you save money during this life stage when you’re just beginning to grow your finances.
Start with a few simple go-to recipes, then continue to build your personal menu options over time. Maybe stop by a local farmer’s market and try incorporating fresh seasonal produce. And if you really want to increase the efficiency of your time in the kitchen, you can prepare multiple meals in one session and save them in the refrigerator, so you’ll only have to cook every few days.
Life Tip #4. Pursue a hobby outside of work
People at all stages of the career journey will tell you that maintaining your work-life balance is essential to both professional and personal success. A great way to enrich your experience outside of the office is by picking up a hobby that inspires you to be active, creative, and mindful.
Your hobby can be pretty much anything under the sun! On Meetup, there are millions of hobbyists getting together to pursue all kinds of interests, from urban hiking and photography to pickleball and acting!
Life Tip #5. Prioritize your social time
Universities provide a built-in social structure that post-college life lacks. Establishing your own sense of social support is key to your health and wellbeing as an adult. Luckily, with Meetup, it’s much easier to socialize and make friends with common interests. Still, you have to put in the effort: try setting a social goal, like attending a non-work-related event at least once per week.
Be open-minded as you approach the notoriously difficult task of making new friends after college. Instead of limiting yourself to what’s already familiar, be adventurous! Opportunities for socializing can overlap with lots of other needs, like staying fit, finding a creative outlet, learning new skills, and industry networking.
If you really want to be empowered, try Meetup+, the subscription that gives members an even broader range of exclusive tools to spark more friendships. With these, it’s easy to identify and connect with other people who are also recent college grads. Take the wheel of your social life by starting your own Meetup group and inviting other recent grads to join you!
Last modified on January 22, 2024
