Commencement

Moving On: Tips for Dealing with Post-Commencement Blues

A guide for graduating seniors on how to deal with the transition from campus to career life

College commencement: the best and worst time of a graduating senior’s life. After four long years, it feels incredibly rewarding to walk across the stage and become a certified professional in your field of study. There will be no more all-nighters, cramming for tests, or homework. You did it! 

At the same time, you may feel scared or unsure of where you will end up after leaving here; that is totally normal! Understand that uncertainty and change are recipes for potential in your future endeavors. It’s hard to grasp the idea that graduating college and moving on to the next step is not fully euphoric like you may have imagined. You’ll make mistakes, and it will take time to land that dream job – don’t let that get you down. Everyone experiences feelings of self-doubt and uncertainty (even those who seem to have it all together). Avoid the post-grad blues with these tips: 

1. Treat Yourself With Kindness:

It is important to be kind to yourself as you attempt to navigate these uncharted waters. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others – everyone is on a different path and will end up where they are meant to be. Despite what many post-grads say, college coming to an end does not mean that your life is over. If anything, there is so much to look forward to in your post-grad life. Always take care of yourself!

2. Start a New Hobby:

Translate your interests and passions into a hobby. A hobby can push you to work towards new goals, make friends, or push people out of their comfort zones. It feels great to have something to work toward, so don’t be afraid to try something new! Go surfing, start painting, pick up a camera, go on a run – do anything you want. Allow the hobby to be your outlet for stress. Let yourself have some fun!

3. Make New Friends and Keep in Contact with Old Ones:

Some of you may be leaving Boston for a new city, some may head back home, and the rest may be staying here. Regardless, people will disperse all over the world after graduation. While that is hard when those people are your friends, know that there are plenty of opportunities for friendship waiting for you wherever you go. If you don’t know where to start or find it hard to meet people organically, join a Facebook group or try out a friend-matching platform.  

On Facebook, you can search for groups based on your current location. From there, you can find a group based on things you’re interested in. For example, you can look for Facebook pages that connect you with young adults living in [your location]. As for a friend-matching platform, there is Bumble BFF. Bumble BFF is set up like a dating app but instead allows you to find platonic friends. Its algorithm shows you people with similar interests to you. From there, you can mutually choose a friendship with one another.

Of course, keep in touch with past friendships too. Do not be afraid to pick up the phone and reach out to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while! Make time for those who are important to you. 

4. Prioritize Your Health:

Although it may seem obvious, you should prioritize your health in this new chapter of your life. Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. Your body cannot be pulling all-nighters anymore, and you definitely do not have the metabolic capabilities you did when you were 16! Make it a point to take care of yourself, and you will feel great inside and out. 

5. Establish a Sense of Routine:

Whichever path you pursue after college, establishing a daily or weekly routine can help reduce your stress levels and improve your overall mental well-being. It can be as small as getting up to go to the gym in the morning or following a list of tasks day by day. Generally, a routine helps create a healthy sense of identity and a feeling of control over your own life. 

6. Check Things Off of Your Bucket List:

As cliche, as it may sound, you are only young once. Travel the world, eat at that restaurant you have heard such great things about, go skydiving, visit a friend – the possibilities are endless. Excite yourself and learn about the world around you. We age quickly and only gain more responsibility as we grow older, so do fun things while you can. 

Seniors, take a deep breath and relax – you’ve got this! Look forward to trying new things and exploring your passions. Take chances and dream big. Learn everything you can and have fun while doing it. Know that Boston will always have a place for you. Take care, Terriers.