Venturing into the big unknown of post-university life

“So, what are you going to do when you leave university, Imogen?” This is a question that I have heard countless times over the three years that I have been at university. And now, as I head towards the end of my university career, it’s a question that seems ever-more pressing.

At school, I was told what many students often hear; do the subject you love and with time, it will become clear what you want to do when you leave university. I knew that studying English Literature would be the right choice for me as it’s what I loved. However, I’m nearly at the end of the course and I’m still unsure about what I want to do when I leave university. With a subject like English, there are so many options – there is no one definite job that I should be going into. The infinite possibilities on offer are fantastic, but also extremely daunting.

When I look back on my 18 years of education, I knew there was always something to work towards. If I worked hard and revised for my GCSEs, I would be accepted into a good sixth form where I could do my A-Levels. Achieving good A-Level grades would get into university to study my desired course. But once that course ends and the future is not obvious, I can’t help but ask the question: what is there to work towards?

49% of graduates admitted that their wellbeing declined once they had left university

As students, the structure of school and university is an integral part of our lives. Attending lectures and seminars and being heavily involved in a society exec has produced a schedule for me to co-ordinate my life. According to Student Minds, “moving into the workplace can be a significant challenge for a young person’s mental health”. The ‘in-between’ stage of not knowing what to do may be even more challenging. The thought of having to move back home after gaining all of this independence seems nonsensical. The transition from being surrounded by thousands of students to being back at home, under the roof of our parents once again, has the potential to make an individual feel incredibly lonely. Many students experience post-graduate depression. 49% of graduates admitted that their wellbeing declined once they had left university (City Mental Health Alliance).

Taking the time to think about what you want to do with your life is absolutely fine and there is no need to rush into a career that will not make you happy

I have had the best three years of my life at university and the thought of leaving all of this to enter the unknown is terrifying. Going into the final term and exam period, it is so easy to compare yourself with others who may be getting job offers and in consequence feel like you have already failed. However, there is not a single person who will leave university the ‘right’ way, because the ‘right’ way does not exist.

At university, it is very much a case of, if you want help, you have to ask for it. Being too afraid to ask for help could lead you to believe that such support does not exist. Warwick provides workshops, events and online resources to guide you in figuring out what it is that you want to do. The support is there, you just need to seek it!

If you are feeling anxious about leaving university, talk to your friends and family about how you are feeling. No one will judge you for not knowing exactly what it is that you want to do. The shift from student life to adulthood will be one of the most difficult things that every student must do, so surrounding yourself with others who may be in a similar position or speaking to a post-graduate who can offer you advice, will have a massive, positive impact on your mental health. Taking the time to think about what you want to do with your life is absolutely fine and there is no need to rush into a career that will not make you happy. Maybe take a year off, travel or try out different things. Although it may be uncertain now, you will discover what you want to do eventually…

If you are worried about leaving university, support is available. The careers service at Warwick can offer valuable advice about your options. The wellbeing service supports students who are having any practical, emotional or health issues. Outside of the university, there is more support available from charities such as Student Minds, which offers resources and support to students at university and beyond. Locally, Coventry and Warwickshire Mind are also a good point of contact for those struggling with their mental health.