Transitioning out of university life can be daunting as the fear of the unknown, expectations set upon us, and discovering ourselves, as well as deciding our future, start to weigh massively. Pre-grad anxiety and post-grad depression have not been spoken about enough in the past.
We’ll look at the various things that cause them and how to manage them in this post.
The unknown
A common feeling that leads to overwhelmingness is caused by the unknown. Even if you know what you want to do after uni, the uncertainty of whether it’s going to work, whether the path you’re taking to get there is the right one out of the other 20,000 options, where you will live, if you will afford your post grad plans, or what your self a year after postgraduate will look like. Now add on top of this not knowing what you want to do with your future, which direction to take, whether what you thought your interests were still. These unanswered questions weigh massively on the mind.
Too many pathways
The possibilities after university are endless, and now more than ever there isn’t a set path for how to do it. We’ve gone from an established system in primary school to the world being our oyster, which comes with thousands of opportunities but also a weight of responsibility. There seems to be an impending pressure from ourselves, teachers, parents, society to make the right choice and know where you’re heading towards, which puts pressure on every step you take. Not being in the right direction becomes a waste of time, money, and energy.
Change
On top of this, once again, a time for change comes. You’re finally settling into your city, your friends have become the most important people, or you have found a fantastic partner, and this transition brings worrisome feelings about the life you are so used to right now. You start mourning your uni life, the friendships, the community you have made and the freedom that came with this. It’s not only the leaving behind but also the starting fresh. For some, this change means a new course, city, a new uni, a new country, job, or just routine. Starting new stuff can always be scary, which can make you anxious.
Now, what to do with this feeling… First, take a deep breath and remember we all have our own timeline.
Tips for Coping with Uncertainty:
1. Set realistic goals: Break down your long-term goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This can help you stay focused and motivated, even when faced with uncertainty.
2. Practice mindfulness: Cultivate mindfulness through techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling. This can help reduce stress and increase self-awareness, allowing you to approach uncertainty with greater clarity and calmness.
3. Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or mentors for guidance and encouragement during times of uncertainty. Talking to others can provide perspective and help you feel less alone in your journey.
4. Stay flexible: Embrace flexibility and adaptability as essential skills for navigating uncertainty. Be open to exploring new opportunities and adjusting your plans as needed.
After this, explore your options, whether it’s further education or a job. Talk to people doing it, watch YouTube, TikTok videos, go to the place, uni, work site, take valid online quizzes. This way, you will not only get a feel for whether this is what you want to do but will also make contacts so it’s easier settling in and getting tips on it.
But also, don’t forget you can also take some time off to work, make money, get some experience, try if the job you want is what you expect, travel abroad, or take some time to rest after university. Getting other perspectives and POV might be the most beneficial thing you can do.
Remember, it’s okay to not know what you want to do; most people feel the same. That’s the fun of life.
How much dos the university provide mental health copying mechanisms, for transition out of uni?
- None- 0
- Restricted - 1
- Some -2
- Plenty - 3
