University should have changed you over the last three or so years, but for the better. After all, University is (for most people) a first grasp at the straws of independence. For those considering a degree in the future, as well as academia, here are the benefits you can reap. Take a glance over this checklist and either sit back smugly, or try and tick a few more off before you find yourself onstage holding your diploma.
So, have you...
1. Learnt to cook (and no, noodles doesn't count)?
Even if it's very simple, being able to make a meal from scratch (or close enough) is a skill you need to have - you will not be able to live off pot noodles and takeaways for the rest of your adult life. Some other basic kitchen etiquette is also useful, such as not using a metal scourer on non-stick pans, or employing a good washing up liquid to water ratio.
2. Travelled alone?
By now, you should be more or less in charge of your life, and therefore able to get yourself from A to B without losing any limbs. But don't worry, everyone gets nervous about being solely responsible for a task, and having to remember your passport can be crippling - it gets easier, we promise.
3. Thought about the future?
Your degree acts as a passport to your future, but what comes next? You've probably thought about the future a few times, but for some, the end of University is the end of any concrete life plans. Speak to your friends, family and whoever to try and find that ideal future you may never have realised you could achieve.
4. Enjoyed alone time?
Being at University is different for everyone, but you are likely to be surrounded by people most of the time. But what happens when no one is around? Make sure you are able to be comfortable in your own company; sit down, read a book, watch some TV, have a cuppa, listen to music - whatever! Just familiarise yourself with this form of relaxation before you are rudely confronted by it.
5. Made friends with someone you wouldn't usually be friends with?
Let's face it, University is a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities and political views. You've probably all got a few mates you would've never envisaged talking to, let alone spending time with. Embrace it! It makes you much more interesting.
6. Joined LinkedIn and written a CV?
You are at some point going to be looking for full time employment, be it a week or two years after graduation, and at the moment LinkedIn is one of the most useful tools in your backpack for success. Join, enter your details (just like you would with a CV) and connect with friends, family and people you have met professionally. Then when you need it, you can use the site and your CV to find a kick-ass job (see more tips
here and
here).
7. Worked your first job?
For most students this is an easy 'been there, done that' situation, yet some still haven't. To them we say: a first job is an essential learning curve that you should have experienced in order to prepare yourself for the pace of a full-time career.
8. Learnt to budget (and save!)?
On one hand, if you've made it through Uni without filing for bankruptcy, you're doing ok. But if you know that you haven't prioritized the essentials like rent and food, you'll need to remedy this quickly. Take a look at some
tips on how to recover your overdraft.
9. Learnt to iron?
Come on, it's not that hard. Just go on YouTube and learn - your parents/housemates/partner won't always be around.
10. Introduced yourself professionally?
"I really like the new guy; his limp handshake was impressive" - said no one, ever. This isn't the second-coming of Freshers' week; a fist-pump and a "hey bro, wassup?" won't quite cut it. Make sure you can send a formal letter, email, give a good handshake and be sure to brush up on your 'phone voice' too.
11. Learnt to prioritise?
As well as being able to spend time alone, you should also be able to rank your priorities in a sensible fashion. Essentially, do you go out or work through your to-do list? Do you buy clothes or pay your rent? Do you call your Mum or watch cat videos?
12. Been aware of current affairs?
Ultimately, this feat will further your chances of being able to land a brilliant job. Think: interview questions, discussions at work, discussions with newly-met professionals etc. Information is so easy to ingest these days that a daily glance at the BBC News app will work wonders.
13. Become responsible on social media?
You know what we mean. Toilet jokes all over your Facebook don't exactly scream 'mature 20-something looking for a graduate career'. Make sure your online presence is either squeaky clean, or as hidden as possible (more tips
here).
14. Been treated like an adult?
That 18 year old kid your parents waved goodbye to three years ago has almost certainly grown up, and by now your family should treat you like the adult you have become. On the other hand, you also need to act like an adult: offer to do the washing up, tidy up after yourself or maybe just take your mum out for a coffee. If you didn't move away for Uni, you also should have grown and realised that your parents shouldn't be taken for granted - treat your parents in a more mature manner to prove yourself as a 'grown up'.
15. Overcome homesickness?
We all miss home-cooked meals, a comfy sofa and Sky TV, but your newly found independence is so much more important now. If you've learnt to be alone, and proven your abilities as an adult, your homesickness will eventually fade.
