Filed under College Living on October 8th, 2008:
How to Transition From College Life to the Real World
Transitioning from full-time college student to bona fide “adult” can be more of a challenge than many realize. The ups and downs of the first few years after school can be quite trying. Don’t worry though; you will get through it. After all, you’ve tackled years of study sessions and exams. The real world can be a breeze, if you make it that way.
Tips for Recent College Grads
So, what do you need to know to make the transition flow more smoothly? These tips can help you out:
#1 Get going on the job hunt right away – As a college graduate, you’ll most likely want to find a job in your field. Don’t be disappointed, however, if you find yourself having to look at jobs for college students like waitressing in the first few months. It’s best to take what you can find to finance Orlando living and continue looking as you go. That “big” job will come if you keep working at job searches, get active in your field on a volunteer basis and keep sending out those resumes.
#2 Learn to tackle finances – You might have a little bit of experience in this arena already thanks to college. If you didn’t have to worry yourself too much about money, however, this can be a very big transition point. Mom and Dad are not going to want to pay for you forever. To get your financial house in order, create a realistic budget and try to live within it. You’re probably going to have to figure expenses into your budget that you may not of had to think about before like utilities and health insurance. Remember, student loans will no longer come in a few times a year to “cover” any mistakes. At this point, your budget might be a little abysmal, but it will get better. Once you find a job you really like, things should improve nicely.
#3 Be responsible with living arrangements – In college, you might have called a dorm room home. Now, you’re going to have to move on and find your own place. If Orlando living is what you have in mind, you’ll find plenty of great places to live. As you look, keep your true needs and budget in mind. Even if you can only afford a shoebox at the moment that fits your budget, don’t fret it. Most people have to start at the “bottom” to get to the top. Be responsible with your home, money and actions during the transition period and it won’t be long before you feel comfortable wearing your new “adult” shoes.
Online Resources to Help Through the Transition Period
We all need a little guidance once in a while. Check out the links below to help you through this transition period of your life.
When the relatively carefree days of college are behind you, transitioning into adult life doesn’t have to be a chore. While you’ll no doubt feel growing pains, you will flourish in your new role if you take it slow and easy and play it smart. You don’t have to have a three bedroom home with a picket fence on Day One.