My next Graduate to share her story is Scarlett. I only briefly got to know Scarlett during the time we studied at Keele, but I do know that she is an incredibly talented and creative individual who will most definitely lead a successful life. Without further ado, here is Scarlett's story...

First of all I’d like to thank Issy for asking me to contribute to her “Graduate Life” series. It’s been wonderful to keep up with the personal journeys of some familiar faces and it’s an absolute pleasure to take part. 

I feel like my experience of university very much took the form of chapters, and I would struggle to give a comparative “before and after” of my university experience. I guess that’s why I’m writing in this way; to be a little less formal than a ‘question and answer’ format. 

If I could time travel, yes I would definitely go to university all over again. I’ve always loved reading, but without being exposed to creative writing courses and the kind of fertile environment of university, I would never have had the confidence to produce my own work as well as meet other like-minded people that inspired me and helped me to grow. The ‘light bulb moment’ for me was when my lecturer told me “even when you write prose it sounds like poetry” and I just knew I’d found who I was as a person. I’d always encourage people to go to university if they have the opportunity as you learn so much more than just what is prescribed on the course.

I got my degree in English Lit and History after doing a dissertation in Creative writing. I stumbled into a job in web design pretty soon after graduating and found that I had a flair for copy writing and content creation because of my background as a wordsmith. Along side that I run my little online poetry shop (which you can check out here) and continue to go to poetry reading events and workshops. Working full time has made me realise how precious personal time is, and evenings are either spent tac’tac’ting’ing on my typewriter until midnight to fulfil orders, or trying desperately to fit a half an hour of reading in so I can get to sleep at a decent hour to be up for work. However I feel that most of my friends are in a similar boat with jobs and commitments, so when we go out on a weekend we’re all ready to either let off steam and party till stupid o’clock, or vegetate with chinese food and trash telly; there is no in between. 

For now, I plan to continue writing, taking part in the poetry community and running my online shop. I'd also love to eventually end up with my own book of poetry! If I had any advice for recent graduates that find themselves overwhelmed with the sudden mountain of pressure and responsibility, it would be to not give up on what you love to do. I enjoy web design as it’s in a creative field that challenges and interests me, but I feel that my occupation complements my life rather than completes it. I would describe myself first and foremost as a Writer. So even if it means staying up half an hour later to read that book you’ve left dog-eared for weeks, or continue your blog you haven’t updated in a while, or paint that scene that’s been lingering in your head, then make sure you find the time to do it. Because if university was about finding yourself, then to lose it now would be too much of a waste.

MissIsGoode

It's about time I brought a fellow blogger in on the interview action, so let's kick it off with the lovely Hannah from Suitcase and Sandals who graduated in 2015 with a degree in Religious Studies. 

How does it feel to be a graduate? 

Bittersweet. I miss uni quite often, but love earning my own money! I wish I still had as much spare time as I did at uni, but it’s nice to be able to save for things and travel too. 

What’s been the biggest challenge?
Not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. I’m still not 100% sure. I think it’s quite tough being thrown out there without knowing what you want to do so at the moment I’m enjoying gaining some experience. I’m not sure I’ll ever know exactly what I want to do though!

What’s your current living situation?
I’ve moved back home, and with my boyfriend in tow too! My parents are so flexible and we both have the freedom we would have at university anyway so the only thing I really miss is having some time to myself with Dan!

What’s the best and worst things about graduate life?

Best thing is earning some money, and the worst thing is not being allowed lie-ins, and the lack of spare time. But good things come to those who wait! 

Do you have any plans/goals for the  foreseeable future?

We’re saving for a house and travelling where we can – including a week in New York in October which I’m so excited about. 

Is graduate life as you expected? 

I expected it to be harder to get a job, but maybe I am one of the lucky ones as I signed up with an agency and was offered an interview where I work now which is in a company who have trained me up from scratch which I believe is quite rare. I did expect to miss uni though and that part is definitely true!

If you had the opportunity, would you do university all over again?

Part of me would, part of me wouldn’t. I think I miss my university city the most, but I do miss learning and seeing my friends too! This is such a hard question…. 

What’s your social life been like as a graduate in comparison to what it was like at university? Different. I appreciate my social time more now – seeing friends is more of a treat in a way! I definitely don’t go out (even sober occasions) as much as I did at uni – I guess that comes with being so busy all of the time.

What would you say are the biggest differences between the first year of university life, and the first year of graduate life? 

I’m sober now? I’m just joking. I work full time now compared to having 8 hours of lectures a week which is a huge difference. Looking back I wish I’d made a bit more effort to use that time wisely but you live and you learn.

Do you feel you’ve changed much since you graduated?

Without a shadow of a doubt. I’m so much happier in myself and have realized how resilient I am. I’m more confident in my abilities too I think! Plus, I know how to adult a bit better… 

Have you seen your university friends much since you graduated?

Some of them yes. We mainly see each other for big occasions like their graduation, or our summerball. We’re all so busy so it can be hard to meet up!

What advice would you give to future graduates?

Make the most of your final few weeks of university. Even if you don’t wish to do it again you will miss your university days. Enjoy your first experiences of being a graduate, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself: good things come to those who wait. 

How does it feel to be considered an adult? 

Scary, but exciting. I can’t wait to buy my first home!

Do you feel that going to university was worthwhile?

Absolutely. I may not be directly using my degree, but I loved it. I moved away from home, volunteered, made friends, laughed and cried. But I made it through and I came out a better person. I think the university experience is invaluable and unique to every single person. It is what you make it, and I think my experience of university made it so worthwhile.

And a final comment from Hannah...

Make the most of your graduation day! Mine ranks in my top 10 days of my life I think and it felt so good to be up there celebrating my hard work with my course mates.

*Photos courtesy of Hannah

It's about time I brought in another fellow Keele University graduate, and who better to pick than someone whom I studied English and American Literature alongside. Hannah always worked so hard and excelled when it came to our assessments and now she's moved in with her boyfriend, Lewis, has been working hard in her grad-scheme and has taken the time to discover the pleasures in life post-graduation....

What’s been the biggest challenge? 

Definitely adjusting to the 9-5 life. I’m famously not a morning person but nowadays I have to get up at 6am to travel into London for work… gone are the days when I had no commitments so could just roll out of bed (or stay in bed) whenever I wanted. 6 hours a week at university did nothing to prepare  me for work. 

How does it feel to be considered an adult?

I feel a lot less pressure than I thought I would but I do sometimes miss the safety net of being a student. When you’re a student mistakes are part and parcel of the experience but as an adult you are expected to know better – but let’s face it we all know adults who do not!

What’s your living situation?

When I finished university I moved back home for the summer before moving in with my boyfriend in our lovely little rented flat. We had to pick somewhere half way in between where we both worked. I have been living here for nearly a year now and I love it! I love making it all homely and adding our own little touches here and there. It is a welcome change from halls, which were mouldy and a health and safety nightmare. I also don’t miss carrying my laundry half way across campus or standing outside the block each time someone set the fire alarm off! 

What's the best thing about graduate life? 

The best thing about graduate life, and the main difference to being a student, is finally earning some money to do the things you’ve always said you wanted to do. I always look back on third year at university where I sat and calculated that, after loan and rent deductions, I had around £20 a week to live on – and that needed to buy my course book - so it’s safe to say that having a stable income is a welcome change. 

And the worst? 

As I’ve said, I definitely have struggled adjusting to 9-5 work life. One minute you have that 6 hour schedule to do whatever you want (and you spend it sleeping & binge watching Netflix) and the next (if you have secured a job) you are working 9-5. If I was to do university all over again, I would make sure I ticked off a list of all the things I want to do and have the time to do – you sure as hell will miss that freedom when you’re sat in an office on the sunniest day of the year. 

What’s been your biggest achievement since you graduated? 

When I started on my graduate scheme, I really didn’t know if it was the right thing for me. I had no experience in finance and banking. My degree seemed like a world apart from it, so those first couple of months were a real struggle. After nearly a year, I’m finally getting there. It’s been a steep learning curve and I’m proud that I have stuck it out and I am starting to feel like I am making a lot of progress. Whether it is where I will be long term is a question I can’t answer yet, but I’m learning a lot about myself and the type of place I want to work.

Do you have any plans or goals for the future? 

My main aim for the next year is to complete my scheme, find a lovely house and a job I love. I have learnt over the past year that you absolutely have to have a job you love (or at least 90% love). 

Is graduate life as you expected?

I guess it’s a lot better than I thought it would be. Besides not having student discount (I’m very bitter about this), lots of free time, and being tired all the time, I find that I’m a lot happier because I’m kept busy and I can do the things I’ve always wanted because I have a bit more cash and independence. I also have a lot less drama than I did at university – everything seems a bit more stable. 

What did people tell you about graduate life - and has any of it proved to be true?

The one thing I heard time and time again before I graduated was ‘Don’t worry, even adults don’t know what they’re doing’ and I didn’t quite believe it. But it is so true! In the last year I have witnessed grown adults not having a clue, making mistakes or going back on something they were adamant about. So I have learnt that it’s okay to not know where you are going/what you are doing. I went from wanting to be a teacher, to wanting to be a publisher and now I’m working in banking. Who knows where I’ll end up! They are all experiences and it doesn’t matter if they’re not right in the end, at least I’ve tried it. 

If you had the opportunity, would you do university all over again?

No, but don’t get me wrong - having the opportunity to go to university was something I will never take for granted and I absolutely loved (almost) every minute of it, and would not trade it for the world. University gave me the opportunity to study a subject I loved, find a circle of amazing friends and it’s also where I met Lewis. It also gave me the confidence to get involved more and lead a breast cancer charity team on campus. However, it did come hand in hand with a lot of stress, sleepless nights, arguments, mouldy rooms and no money. University taught me a lot but it was definitely time to leave.

What’s your social life been like as a graduate in comparison to what it was like at university? 

My idea of a perfect night now is getting home from work, PJs on and watching some TV with Lewis – our current favourites being Peaky Blinders and Stranger Things. I am out the house from 7am-7pm and often I just don’t have the energy to do anything else. I do still make time to catch up with friends when I can and try to plan in things to look forward to. 

What would you say are the biggest differences between the first year of university life and the first year of graduate life?

There is a familiar feeling of being a ‘deer in the headlights’ – but otherwise the two couldn’t be anymore different. I have developed a lot more confidence since that first year of university, so I feel like I’m better prepared to face the “unexpected” and tricky situations that might come my way. 

Do you feel you’ve changed much since you graduated?

I don’t think I have really – perhaps I'm just becoming a bit less naïve (I hope) and a lot more confident.

Have you seen your university friends much since you graduated? 
Not as much as I would like! We've all gone off in different directions with different schedules because of work and various commitments outside of it which make it difficult to plan anything without imposing on each other! Though, we do regularly keep in touch and make sure we know what is going in each other's lives; it’s nice to know that no matter what, they are still at the end of the phone. 

What advice would you give to the next year of graduates?

Don’t consider the next step you make to be the one you are stuck with – learn to be fluid and go wherever you need to to do the thing you love. And if you don’t know what that is yet, don’t panic. Keep going and you’ll find your fit eventually. 

Do you feel that going to university was worthwhile? 

Absolutely, besides what I’ve already mentioned about studying something I loved, I learned so much more about ‘life’ in general. It sounds really cheesy but everything that happened helped to shape who I am now. Prior to university, I didn’t really have the confidence to do anything – applying for and moving to university was a massive step for me and to be honest, I’m still quite shocked I came out the other side of it with a degree. I bet a lot of my family thought I’d be home by the first Christmas. I know that if I hadn’t made that move to uni, I wouldn’t have had any of the experiences I have had since and definitely wouldn’t be where I am now.

MissIsGoode

*Photos courtesy of Hannah

I have to say that the thing I love most about receiving people's graduate and student life posts' is reading through an abundance of experiences, not a single one alike. Whilst some feel that the end of student life really is the end of all we know, Brandon, who studied English at the University of East Anglia and went on to do his PGCE at the University of Cambridge, shows an entirely more positive side to graduate life...

How does it feel to be a graduate?

I should premise all of this by saying I’ve just finished a PGCE, so I’ve simultaneously been a graduate, a student and a public servant. As such, I’ve been through this transformative year that started in master’s seminars and ended with my qualified teacher status. I guess I’ve graduated twice, with a third one to come in two years time after I’ve finished my research in schools. My main emotions at present are fulfillment and excitement, I know I have a career ahead and I’m able to predict with some accuracy the trajectory it will take. The future is good. 

What’s been the biggest challenge? 

It has to be the difficulty curve of the PGCE, hands down. You have twelve months to go from unskilled graduate to a competent teacher, something illustrated by the fact you need to be able to teach fifteen hours a week comfortably by the end of the course, all while producing enough paperwork to sink a freighter. Alongside this, I’ve had to do the vast majority of my master’s degree, which is a bigger written workload than the final year of my BA. I remember spending about four months on my dissertation in third year, but during my PGCE I wrote an assignment of a similar length in half the time – whilst teaching the full trainee-teacher timetable. Notwithstanding the stress all of this has exerted upon me, I feel I’ve developed as a person in the face of enormous adversity: I now believe, with great faith, that acute challenges present the greatest opportunities for self-improvement.

What’s the best and worst things about graduate life?

I’ll give you my top three for each. One of the best things is escaping university politics: I find it at best puerile and at worst dangerous. My undergraduate university was the home of ‘sombrero-gate’, in which the students’ union attempted to ban sombreros on campus because of ‘cultural appropriation’. This happened two years after they held a referendum on banning Robin Thicke’s music from campus, which they lost emphatically because soviet-esque censorship has no place in a liberal democracy. Second, I love living with my girlfriend in our own space. She’s an absolute joy to have around and the graduate life has given us the flexibility to make big lifestyle decisions. We can get into just about any property as trained professionals, whereas as students we had to put up with the horrors of student accommodation and living with some rather unpleasant people. Finally, being able to earn a living is a joy. Money really does secure freedoms that are unavailable to students: with my monthly salary I can pay my bills, save half a grand and still have three or four times as much ‘fun-money’ as I did whilst studying.  I don’t dwell on the bad parts of graduate life, as there is little to nothing I can do about it. However, I do miss the vibrancy of student life. I was able to go out twice a week, play ultimate for the university, play in a football team, attend guest lectures, go cycling, visit friends and learn huge amounts outside of my degree, all whilst getting my essays in on time and still having time to spare. The number of people I regularly socialised with was much larger, so I miss that side of undergraduate life. Above all I miss the intellectual challenge, but I’m really excited to continue that part time in my master’s in education.  

What’s been your biggest achievement since you graduated? 

Qualifying as a teacher. Even if I only work as a teacher for a few years before moving onto something else, it gives me a great sense of wellbeing and accomplishment. 

Do you have any plans for the coming months and years? 

I’ll be finishing my master’s in 2018, I might even look at doctoral research after that. In 2020 my partner and I want to go to the Tokyo Olympics, we love the idea of travelling to Japan and we love the Olympics too! We’re also looking at buying a house and getting a dog – quite orthodox stuff really.

Is graduate life as you expected? 

I was ready to leave my undergraduate degree when it finished, so yes I would say so. Life is always full of surprises, but the state of not being a student is a bit of a walk in the park. If you’re in third year and you still don’t know what you want to do, my opinion is that you need to get yourself in gear. I had already applied for jobs and grad schemes when I started my third year, and I’d decided to apply for PGCE courses halfway through my second year. I’m not very sympathetic towards people that have these great existential crises after graduation; you’re responsible for your future and you have an inordinate amount of time to figure it all out whilst studying. Many people I’ve met believe this bizarre notion that by virtue of finishing university, one is entitled to a place on a grad scheme, and that they’ll come and find you. I always understood that adult life is deeply competitive and you have to carve your way through the world. Because of this, my life philosophy is built on self-determination, hard work and aspiration: with it I’ve gotten into Cambridge and won a real gem of a first job. Many of my friends are drowning in their overdraft whilst pulling pints in their Dad’s local, but claim their cocaine fuelled visit to South America has changed their lives – extended adolescence doesn’t look good on a CV.  

What did people tell you about graduate life - and has any of it proved to be true? 

Fear mongering is what I remember most vividly, particularly this idea that life is just generally a bit awful. That has proven to be untrue; my life is way more fulfilling than it was at university. More aggravating was the theory that all graduates feel the desire to go travelling as a form of escapism. I know for many people it’s a meaningful experience, but I didn’t spend four years at university to spend another finding myself abroad. I think avoiding the jobs market whilst claiming adult life is challenging is a perfect example of having your cake and eating it – I’m saving my travelling time for the summer holidays.

What’s your social life been like as a graduate in comparison to what it was like at university?

I socialise with a much wider range of people, especially in terms of age. I often go for drinks with other teachers, play football with a group of men aged between twenty-two and sixty, and enjoy reading for pleasure a lot more! University was an alcohol-fueled series of parties that went on for too long and hung-over training sessions. My circle of close-friends is much smaller and manageable, but this is likely a consequence of reduced spare time. 

What would you say are the biggest differences between the first year of university life, and the first year of graduate life? 

At the start of university you have a negligible amount of responsibilities, but huge amounts of time to fulfill them. As a graduate, you have an enormous volume of responsibilities, but ever decreasing amounts of time to fulfill them. The nature of those responsibilities change, as deadlines for coursework only effect you but deadlines at work might effect ten, twenty or a hundred other people that then have their own responsibilities, mortgages to pay and children to feed. Someone once said to me that university is a holiday, and whilst that’s far from true it does tap into a certain sense of jovial exoneration from oiling the cogs of the machine. Like Bill said, at graduation your free ride does indeed end.  

Do you feel you’ve changed much since you graduated? 

Since finishing my BA, I’ve changed immeasurably. I’m much more conscientious and I’ve felt the weight of real responsibility in my role as a teacher. My spare time is precious to me now, and I always use it to the full extent. I still have days in which I sit around and feel lazy, but only when I need a rest. Before graduation I was quite impulsive and liable to confrontation, but in the real world restorative approaches are important, so I’m much better at ignoring invidious comments and just seeing the funny side of things. Above all, I’ve come to terms with the establishment. In my second year I was quite left wing, and I believed I had the power to change the world. Adult life has taught me that there is a complex array of forces that we have little control over, and any action will incur unintended consequences. I’m just happy to perform a valued role in society, and that sense of self-efficacy is hard to generate when you’re a student, protesting about things that are, ultimately, inconsequential.  

What advice would you give with regards to contact with your University friends? 

I strongly recommend staying in touch with those people you cherish. Equally, don’t feel too upset if a number of people disappear, they might reappear again later on or simply aren’t worth it. It’s not possible to maintain your old life whilst building a new one, accept that and move on.

What advice would you give to those soon to be graduates? 
Make sure you have a plan and, if possible, don’t fall back on your parents. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and I’ve seen numerous people do it. A professor once said to me that having no idea of what it is you want to do is actually a liberty, as you can choose to do anything and it won’t be the wrong decision. Whatever you do, don’t acquiesce into doing nothing or elect to be static. Every summer another 50,000 or so people graduate, many of whom will have excelled in their studies and extra-curricular commitments, so you’re not quite as special as you’re rightly proud family make you out to be.

How does it feel to be considered an adult? 

At first a bit scary, but like all identity crises you will overcome it and make a place for yourself in the world. Such is life, if we didn’t kick on the human race would still be in the cave, drawing men with sticks on stonewalls and running from giant cats.  

Do you feel that going to university was worthwhile? 

Definitely. Without it I wouldn’t be able to do my job, so from a utilitarian perspective it has been essential. However, I strongly believe education has an intrinsic value and if it’s a meaningful field of study then it’s worth doing. A word of warning, however: don’t go into higher education lightly and make sure you have a goal to work towards with a realistic plan to support that journey. If you’re seventeen or eighteen and looking at going to university at the first opportunity, check you’re mature enough and able to tolerate people. University is a melting pot of different cultures, ethnicities and politics. If you’re from a state school you’re going to meet a lot of people from wealthy backgrounds that attended independent schools, and the working-class hero act is embarrassing to say the least. Equally, if you’re from a privileged background, be prepared to meet those that have overcome real adversities and be sensitive to their lived experiences. These are things I’ve learnt during my time at university in addition to my studies, but I still question the 50k price tag. 

And a some final words of advice from Brandon...

If you find yourself without any direction or a sense of purpose, just pick anything and get on with it.  By establishing yourself in an industry, profession or trade you will give yourself great self-efficacy and a higher standard of living. Whilst you’re doing this, you can try and figure out what it is you want to do and save money to finance your retraining or career move. During my teacher training I met lawyers that decided to teach English or history, ex-military personnel that trained to teach geography and people from a huge range of industries that decided to teach STEM subjects. The same goes for my partner’s experience on her midwifery degree, her best friend on that course had left the RAF to deliver babies. The common denominator between these people is that they didn’t know what they wanted to do as graduates, but picked a route and later found their vocation. 

My next graduate is Gracie, who studied Creative Writing at The University of Winchester. Here's a little insight into her life during and after University...

I loved University. It was rarely easy, but I suppose the best things never are. It was a phenomenal feeling to be challenged at every corner, academically, professionally and socially. There was certainly never a dull moment, and I always felt this beautiful sense of hope – like I was a part of something that was going to do some amazing things one day. That I was a part of something at all felt great, really, and I suppose I miss that.

For a while, I missed the structure, too. When I first finished University, I applied for dozens of graduate programs and jobs in the publishing industry, all over the country, hoping to let my career decide where I was going to live. Unfortunately, this was to no avail. It was chaotic and disappointing at every turn.  In the end, I decided to stay in Winchester and moved into a flat with my boyfriend and two friends. In some ways, I was fairly relieved. I love this city, and have built such a strong community of friends. I am never alone and I am never bored. There is always a gig to go to, or a poetry reading or a picnic by the river.  I don't think I was quite ready to let it go.  

I had to create structure for myself though, so I went full time at my job at the Co-op and put my head down and continued work on a novel I had started way back in my second year of University. I set myself constant and rigid deadlines and did pretty good at sticking to them, just like I did at University, with caffeine fuelled late nights and even the occasional tearful panic. I was, and continue to be motivated by the very promising and kind comments that were made to me by publishers and agents when I showed them my opening chapter at The Winchester Writers' Festival, something I was lucky enough to get a scholarship for in my second year.  And, I have very nearly finished!
  

In July, my boyfriend and I moved back to his Mum's to live for a little while. That way we can save some money. We will also be doing some travelling in September – a six week road trip from NYC to San Francisco, where I will hopefully be hunting down poetry events and open-mic nights and reading in a country where I feel poetry is brash and accessible and brilliant. I think this is something I would never have had the confidence to do if I didn't go to University and the same goes for writing a novel, so it isn't all bad really, but I do question whether it was really worth the 40 grands worth of debt I have found myself in. I suppose, my advice to anyone planning to go to University (especially in any creative department) would be to not expect to walk in to the dream job as soon as you graduate, and to be prepared to have to make it on your own. Be it writing or performing or creating art, sometimes you have to tread your own path, make a space for yourself, in a world where it often feels there isn't room for you.

If you'd like to read more about Gracie's journey through student life, click here. 

MissIsGoode

My next graduate interviewee is one my best friends from Keele University, whose name you have read many times, and who's face has made numerous appearances on this here blog (if you gaze to the right of this page, she's even in the middle of that very photo!). Sara studied English and Psychology and graduated last year at the same time as me. Here's her views on graduate life:

How does it feel to be a graduate? 

It still feels a bit strange. At first it felt strange but it was still so fresh and recent but now, one year on, it feels like University was a life time ago! In some aspects I feel like I have all this knowledge but then in another aspect, it doesn’t even feel like I graduated! 

What’s been the biggest challenge? 

My biggest challenge has been figuring out what I want to do as a career. For me personally, I thought I had a very good idea of what I wanted to do but then I returned back to my old workplace and was in a department that made me realise I could go into Psychology as a career. I think that my dual honors degree has a major advantage in that I can do so much with it but on the flip side of that there are just so many decisions I have to make because of it. 

What’s your living situation?

I’ve moved back home but I’m quite lucky in that it’s very relaxed and I’m treated like an adult! 

What, for you, have been the best and worst things about graduate life? 

I like being able to actually have my own money that isn’t from a student loan or any other support. I like that aspect of independence and it’s nice to be able to save for things. I think the worst is just purely how busy life is and how busy everyone else is now. It’s hard to meet up with some friends as they’ve moved far away or to other countries.

I wouldn’t say it’s the biggest achievement ever but I feel that actually securing a job in the first place is an achievement as a graduate! I feel my biggest achievement at University was completing my dissertation. I undertook a huge research project on depression which took over my third year massively but it was a great achievement (£22 later after I’d printed it all!) 

Do you have any plans/goals for the coming months and years?

I want to be in a stable graduate job in a few months and I want that job to lead somewhere, I want a career where I can keep learning and I don’t want to be bored in that career. 

Is graduate life as you expected?

It is in the sense that you’re now an adult, you’ve been through Uni and you’ve moved on from that chapter of your life and now you’re living an independent life. For me it’s a weird one as all my friends have also moved back home so it feels like it did before we all set off to Uni. 

What did people tell you about graduate life - and has any of it proved to be true?

I don’t think that anybody actually told me about graduate life specifically but focused more on how it would feel to finish exams and studying and how relieved you would feel. Believe me, that part is correct, the amount of relief I felt when I did my last exam was huge. But there wasn’t a ‘well this is what it’ll be like for you next year’ conversation. 

If you had the opportunity, would you do university all over again? 

If it meant that I could do it again with the same people, then yes. But I feel like that part of my life is in the past now so I wouldn’t want to revisit another Undergrad degree! I do genuinely miss learning as I loved studying Psychology. Obviously I would do University again for the opportunity to become qualified in some aspect of a career, for example, a PGCE.

What’s your social life been like as a graduate in comparison to what it was like at university?

There has been an obvious decline in clubbing but I do think that’s my own decision as well. I can’t hack hangovers and I don’t like spending my whole weekend (the only time I get off) feeling like rubbish. I do see my Uni friends every month or so and we spend the weekend together which is a great way to catch up. But I’m very lucky to still have a lot of good friends from Secondary School and I see them every week or so. I also go out quite a bit with my work friends to bars which is a good way to de stress from work. 

What would you say are the biggest differences between the first year of university life and the first year of graduate life? 

A major difference is in first year I’d be going out 3 or even 4 times a week compared to the once every few months I go out now as a graduate. I still go out but not to clubs, I tend to go to a lot of bars with my friends now. I’d say my general lifestyle is a lot healthier now as a graduate than in first year where my diet consisted of takeaways and alcohol. 

Do you feel you’ve changed much since you graduated? 

I feel like I’m more independent and confident in making decisions. I also feel that I’m more confi-dent in speaking up so for example, if something isn’t going well at work or if I want to view my opinion on an aspect of my work then I will. I don’t feel scared in doing that which I feel is a pro-gression of the ‘me’ a few years ago - I wasn’t like that at all. 

Have you seen your university friends much since you graduated?

I’ve seen my 3 closest friends from University and we meet every month or so - we live all over the country so we have to plan ahead where we’ll meet! I haven’t managed to see anyone else though, mainly due to distance. 

How does it feel to be considered an adult? 

It does feel weird as I still don’t consider myself an adult, mainly due to the fact I work with a lot of graduates or apprentices in the same situation as me. It is good though, I do feel respected and feel like my views are respected more. 

Do you feel that going to university was worthwhile? 

I do feel like it was worthwhile. There is a whole debate on whether going to university is worth it, especially with the cost students now face. But I feel like that shouldn’t put you off from going to study something you have an interest in and gaining the experience. The experience of being in seminars, giving presentations and the general student lifestyle gives you so much independence and prepares you for the adult world. 

What advice would you give to those soon to be graduates? 

Prepare. If you know what you want to do, the sort of the career you want to go into, then start looking at Grad Schemes as there’s so many of them about! It’s definitely worth applying for them and they’re only about for a specific window of time, so if you wait until October - they won’t be there anymore! 

MissIsGoode

I met my brother when I was born, unsurprisingly. Well, I guess he met me first and he's a pretty cool guy, despite how much he used to beat me up when we were children. Isn't that what big brothers are for? I've always promised to be honest on my blog, and my brother is as honest as they come, which I truly appreciate. 

Here's a less than sober looking me on a night out with Bill!

How does it feel to be a graduate?

Like many things in life it's underwhelming. Being the first person in our family to go to and graduate  from University I felt a small amount of pride, but I don't feel like it was life changing.

What was the biggest challenge you faced at university?

The biggest challenge for me was staying motivated with the work. A lot of people go to university because they have a passion for a subject, a long term career goal or those foolish ones that just want the experience. I had contemplated not attending university for some time while I was in my second year of college as I found I had become tired with education. The main reason for going was because my friend, Jake, suggested that I do an FdA like he was. It seemed like a good idea and the course I picked was fun. In my last year while doing the BA I found my motivation slumped massively, I enjoyed the creative work still but I hated that everything we did was surrounded by a mountain of bullsh*t. Not every piece of art or photograph means something, some of it just looks nice and some of it is just terrible. I felt like an outsider because I didn't like to participate in the emotional dissection of photographs of the seaside. It's hard to want to be somewhere when you don't really fit in.

What’s your current living situation?

I rent a room in a house with three others. Initially I was still in my parent's house where I had stayed throughout uni as it was cheaper and they're cool. Then I moved into a flat with my friends and then I left the county altogether for no particular reason other than I was presented with the opportunity to do so.

What's rather telling is that all four of us are graduates but only one of us works in a field relating to their degree. Two of us work in retail and the other in IT. I think I could afford to live by myself but this is cheaper, I like the people I live with and I also read that spending too much time alone removes any social buffers that would prevent your weirder habbits from getting out of control. I'm a strange enough guy anyway so I don't think there's a good enough reason to risk getting stranger just yet.

What are the best and worst things about graduate life?

After I graduated I was unemployed for about 6 months, work was hard to come by in Cornwall aside from seasonal jobs really. Of those that actually got back to me, they either told me I was overqualified or too inexperienced for the job. For a while I had thought that university and attaining that precious 2:1 that makes a degree worth putting on your CV were a complete waste of time until I finally got an interview and a job. The only good thing about being a graduate is that in my current job they seem to be desperate to have educated people working for them, this has allowed for me to progress more quickly.

What’s been your biggest achievement since you graduated?

I haven't washed my hair with shampoo or used any hair products in 9 months. This may not seem like a big deal but given how disgusted people are with this knowledge and their lack of understanding about the human scalp I think it's commendable that I have resisted the peer pressure and have allowed my hair to bask in its own natural oils.

Do you have any plans/goals for the coming months or years? 

Right now my job is going through restructuring so my immediate goal is to keep my job. There's no real point in planning beyond that. 

Is graduate life as you expected? 

It's so much worse. 

What did people tell you about graduate life - and has any of it proved to be true? 

No one really told me anything, being the first one to go in the family I had to be somewhat of a trailblazer. People did tell me a lot that I would regret it if I didn't go. You'll find people are much more eager to tell you how shit your life will be if you don't go to university. From secondary school onwards teachers and pretty much everyone will try and make you feel like you'll grow up to be a waste of human life if you don't pursue the life of a graduate.

If you had the opportunity, would you do university all over again? 

At the prices they charge now? Jesus Christ no. I feel bad for a lot of young people now who will have their dreams crushed by the soaring tax on learning. 

What’s your social life been like as a graduate in comparison to what it was like at university? 

Well when I was at university I had a girlfriend and saw three of my best friends everyday and had a wide circle of other friends. Now I work at night and even though I still live with two of my best friends I can go literally days without seeing them or in fact anyone that I don't work with. I should add that the people I work with are great but due to the aforementioned restructuring they can understandably be somewhat up and down. 

What would you say are the biggest differences between the first year of university life, and the first year of graduate life?

When you start university you have hope for the future, during your first year of graduate life the crushing reality of adult life will finally sink in and the light of hope will slowly burn out and leave your soul swimming in darkness. 

Do you feel you’ve changed much since you graduated? 

I probably have but I it won't be anything interesting. 

Have you seen your university friends much since you graduated? 

Those that were my friends before, I have. Those I actually studied with I have not seen since I finished my degree, I didn't attend the ceremony for my BA either so I haven't seen any of them since I turned in my last assignment. 

How does it feel to be considered an adult? 

Unremarkable. While I don't shirk my responsibilities as an adult I often feel that the life of a child or a dog is much more enjoyable. I also look fairly young so I still got asked for ID all the time until last year. All being an "adult" means is your free ride is over. 

Do you feel that going to university was worthwhile? 

That's debatable, I did use my student loan to by a sweet computer so that was worth it and I did get to make a short film and some adverts with my friends which was cool. It was worth it for me I guess because it only cost me £15k in total but if you're going now then I'd say it's probably not worth it. 

What advice would you give to those soon to be graduates? 

Start looking for work before you leave, be practical in what you're looking for to make sure you have an income to pay off your crippling debt but on the side, look for jobs doing things you enjoy.

And a final bit of advice...

Don't go to university unless you have a passion or a clear goal that you're working towards, it really isn't worth what it's going to cost you long term. 

Also if you do go, don't be a f*cking idiot and leave all your work to the last minute. I saw a lot of people do it and maybe you'll get lucky and do well, but if you get a 3rd you've basically wasted over £40k.

MissIsGoode

My next graduate is a beautiful soul named Ana. I went to school with Ana but we grew apart over many years and different directions in life. During English lessons she used to write poetry on my arms and her words are still as beautiful now. The thing I love most about doing these interviews is getting to know people who I've grown apart from all over again, and this is a lovely read.

Ana studied Philosophy and Theology at Heythrop College in London and graduated last year. 

I loved university. I had a ball! I studied at Heythrop College, a small specialist college that's part of the University of London. I met the most fantastic and interesting people and made the very best of friends. My studies opened my mind and challenged me to question who I was and who I wanted to be. Words cannot do justice to just how much fun I had. Would I do it all over again? In a heart beat. 

I went directly onto a graduate placement with International Citizen Service and moved half way across the world to Malawi, the world's second poorest country, to be a part of a cultural and skills exchange. It was nothing like I had imagined, but somebody very wise told me on a particularly tough and really rather lonely day in Malawi, that your experiences aren't always what you want but they are certainly what you need. He was right. 

When I came home, from what I now remember as three life shaping months, I had clear direction, passion and I knew what I was capable of. My host family, my team and Malawi will always hold part of my heart. 

I want to be a teacher. something I vividly remember swearing I would never want. When I was 16 I got a tattoo and my college tutor told me I would never be able to be a teacher with such an mark on my arm, I believe I almost laughed in his face - assuring him that that wouldn't be a problem because there was no way I was going to end up like him. 

How wrong was I? I now believe being a teacher is the best possible path for me and the way I can best impact the world and...heaven forbid, try and make it a better place. I know I'm niave but I'm okay with that. 

I am passionate about education for all and using creativity in the classroom. I intend to teach, research and write so that every child gets the best possible start, whether they're dyslexic, dysfunctional or difficult - they're the kids I love most and they're the ones that all too often get left behind. 

I've spent the past few months shadowing in schools, working as a waitress and trying to learn to surf because I, like so many graduates, moved home to Cornwall. It's very weird moving back home but I have been extremely lucky to have had a really great experience of it. My boyfriend came too (a huge sacrifice on his part and one I am eternally greatful for), and was horribly suprised when he realised it really does rain every day in Cornwall during the winter. On the most grey days I struggled and wondered how I had ended up back in Kernow. As my time at home comes to a close I am so happy I had the opportunity to come home and to draw closer to my family who I had neglected during the whirlwind of university, most especially my mum (you really are so great).

Right now feels like a new beginning. I start my PGCE in September, I'm moving to Oxford in the next couple of months and I'm currently sat in the foothills of the Himalayas half way through a tour of India and Nepal with my amazing boyfriend.

MissIsGoode

My blogging interviews have followed me throughout the years and it was in May 2013 that I shared my very first interview, inspired by blogger Liv, who you can check out here. I read a post from Liv sharing the university experience of a friend and thought it was a brilliant way to get student voices heard. Rather than share every voice, I've shared the ones that follow my timeline and added a new experience each year. So now that graduation is almost a year behind me, it's about time you all heard from someone other than me about what life is really like after graduation...

Samantha graduated last year with a degree in Psychology from Edge Hill University. I met Samantha through VESL volunteering and was supposed to go to Thailand with her to teach English, unfortunately I had to pull out but Samantha went along and did some amazing work, and has, since I've known her, been a real inspiration to me, so I've always had her in mind to share some wise words about university and graduate life on my blog.

So, how does it feel to be a graduate? 

There are times when I have loved being a graduate. No more essays, and free time to myself. BUT the working world is pretty boring for me right now and the thought of doing a job I don’t like forever, terrifies me! I guess it’s bittersweet.

What’s been the biggest challenge? 

Getting a job was the biggest challenge. I had to work in a job which didn’t even require GCSE’s in order to get experience to do something I actually want to do, so it felt like going backwards. Countless interviews, and even though I had a first class degree, I've found that paid experience seems to mean more sometimes. 

What’s your living situation?

I live back with my parents now and it was hard at first to adjust. You have your independence taken away from you a little bit but luckily, my family are all pretty independent anyway so I still live my ‘own’ life. 

What are the best and worst things about graduate life? 

The best thing has been securing a graduate placement in Sri Lanka. Because of my degree, I was offered a place to volunteer in psychiatric hospitals for 3 months and travel at the same time which was the BEST experience ever. The worst thing though has been moving away from all of my best friends. Moving back home has been a lonely experience in some ways because my best friends are now scattered all around the country and it’s not always easy to find a time to suit both of you, and to then travel 100 miles to go and see them. 

What’s been your biggest achievement since you graduated? 

Definitely spending 3 months in Sri Lanka doing a psychology placement. I grew so much as a person, saw the most amazing things, and gained the most amazing experience I could have ever imagined. 

Do you have any plans/goals for the coming months/years? 

Yes! I have been accepted onto a masters course to study Social Work and I can’t freakin’ wait to go back to Uni! 

Is graduate life as you expected? 

To be honest, I don’t know what I expected. I think it’s probably harder than I thought it would be to get a job and I think life can be boring now that you have to make your own entertainment - so I guess, life’s what you make it! 

If you had the opportunity, would you do university all over again? 

I want to say yes, but no I wouldn’t. I LOVED uni but I’m glad my undergraduate degree is done and dusted. You can’t stay on the same page of your life forever. 

What’s your social life been like as a graduate in comparison to what it was like at university? 

Haaaa, awful. Tinder is my new best friend :’) It’s a lot harder now that you’re not just thrown into social situations, let’s put it that way! 

What would you say are the biggest differences between the first year of university life, and the first year of graduate life? 

First year of Uni was all about new things, and learning to be an adult whereas my first year of graduate life has been both boring but also incredible. I guess I’ve been lucky in that I’ve spent 3 months abroad because I think I’d have lost my mind otherwise. 

Do you feel you’ve changed much since you graduated? 

I now know what I want to do with my life, whereas when I graduated, I didn’t really have any direction. I’m also a lot more confident in myself and care less about what other people think.

Samantha with friends from a recent experience volunteering in Sri Lanka

How does it feel to be considered an adult? 

I can’t say that I actually consider myself an adult.. does anyone?! I think we’re all making it up as we go along aren’t we?

Do you think that university was worthwhile? 
Yes, absolutely! I know university isn't for everyone but for me it was 100% worth every moment. Going to university has played a huge part in who I am today. 

What advice would you give to those soon to be graduates? 

Embrace the time you have left at Uni because the real world isn’t always an easy place to be in. You have to create your own opportunities, and for some, it’s not always the easiest thing to do. Also, start searching for jobs (or failing that, go travelling until you know what you want to do/run out of money!).

Finally, I'd just like to say thank you for interviewing me and good luck to all those undergrads who are about to take on the world!

If you'd like to know more about Samantha's adventures and graduate life, check her blog out here.