Turns Out Life After Uni Exists — “

As I’m approaching my fourth year, the reality that my undergraduate years are coming to an end slowly settles in. Countless adults had warned me that these years would fly by, but I only now begin to feel it for myself. In addition to all the coursework that comes with being a third year, I need to start thinking about things like dissertations and, god forbid, the future I’ve heard that dreaded question countless times by now: “So, what are your plans for after Uni?” The first few times it’s easy enough to laugh off with an oh, absolutely no clue, but eventually, it becomes harder to dismiss. At a certain point, people expect an actual answer from you, and I don’t have one. I have some options in mind, sure, but nothing even close to a plan. Uncertainty hides around every corner, and with every choice comes a myriad of other decisions I’ll have to make. At times, I even get bouts of regret as I start to wonder if any of the choices I’ve made so far were the right ones. Maybe I should’ve studied something different, something that would quickly land me a job; maybe the smart thing to do is to work for a year rather than immediately continue my studies; maybe I shouldn’t be continuing my studies in the UK at all, and instead look for a good European University somewhere closer to home. I know when I’m not too busy overthinking, that I’m happy with where I am in life and that I do want to keep studying here, but stress can make me doubt anything.

My biggest comfort is one that has probably crossed your mind as well: that at least, we’re all in this together. Sure, some students might have more concrete plans as to what they want to do after graduation, but even knowing what you’re working towards won’t save you from every little anxiety that comes with this point in life. Every student eventually ends up in a similar position. So, if you feel like you’re getting overwhelmed, talk about it with your friends or classmates. Even if they can’t provide you with answers, you’ll be able to find some peace in your solidarity. Or if all else fails, you can loudly complain about your troubles together. There’s really no use in getting stuck on regrets – the should’ves and could’ves, the other routes you could have chosen that, at least in your head, would’ve resulted in an easier or better future. If you refuse to let yourself enjoy the path you did