Student life leads to graduating, which leads to flourishing as a self-sufficient adult right? Not entirely. From job hunting and housing to budgeting, adulting is that regular speed bump on the way to greatness. Here are a few things I’ve learnt from the other side of the graduation ceremony.

One does not simply get a one-bedroom flat after graduating 

When you apply to varsity, you have the option of choosing res or staying home with your parents. When you leave varsity, you start to realise just how expensive a decent place is, even in areas that are filled mostly with students. It’s time to make peace with the fact that a one-bedroom flat isn’t happening. You’re probably better off staying in a commune.

Looking for a job is now your new job

It’s really stressful, especially if you are in the humanities faculty, because a B.A. isn’t as sought after as other degrees. At this stage, you become well-versed in writing various motivational letters. You’re practically a professional interview candidate, who has been asked every kind of question possible. It’s a challenging time, but it’s also great practice. You get to a point where you know the drill so well that your nerves no longer have control over you in the interview room. This can only lead to great things.

See your friends… by appointment only

In varsity, it’s really easy to see your friends, especially if you are in the same res. Even if you are in different faculties, there isn’t much effort involved in meeting up. After graduating, friendships are tested, and you start to see who you are willing to make time for, and vice versa. It’s a pruning process and all it does is make sure that you are surrounded with quality friendships who are there for more than just a turn up.

To eat or not to eat, that is the question

When you are a student, eating patterns can be all over the place. The good thing about being at res, or staying at home, is that your meals are planned for you, so you know when to eat. You could be having a hectic day of studying but food is always sorted, whether you’re at home, getting food from the dining hall or getting money from your parents for groceries. After graduating though, that same busy day will be more challenging because you have to cut out time to figure out what you will be eating based on your budget and then actually prepare the food. Eating is suddenly more time consuming than you realised.

Turn off the lights

When you are living at res or at home, electricity usage is not your concern. Move out, add living with multiple people to the equation, and suddenly it’s a major topic. You can’t have the geyser on all day anymore. Even having the lights on unnecessarily becomes a thorn in your side. Only now do you understand why your parents insisted that if you’re not using the lights – switch them off!

Have your own unique challenges in the adulting game? Be sure to leave a comment.