Congratulations, you have officially completed your journey through university. As you step into the exciting world of being a young professional, it’s natural to feel a combination of excitement and uncertainty. Life after university is a pivotal phase, where you may even learn more than you did as a student.
In this blog, we’re going to walk you through what you need to know once leaving university, to help you make that big transition from uni life to working life.
Student loan repayments, explained
Now that university is finished, you might be wondering when you can expect to start repaying your student loan. The details of student loan repayments vary for everyone, but here’s a brief overview:
UK students
For UK students, the repayment of student loans will depend on your income. The more you earn, the more you can expect to pay back. You only begin repaying your loan once your income surpasses a certain threshold.
If you started your undergraduate studies between September 2012 and July 2023, you’ll begin repaying once you earn £524 a week (or £27,295 a year), before tax.
If you’re repaying a postgraduate loan, repayments start once you earn over £21,000 a year, before tax.
If you’d like to repay a lump sum, you can do this on the UK government website.
International students
International students should be aware that student loan repayment can vary based on the country and the loan provider. Before leaving the UK, it’s essential to understand the terms and conditions of your loan, as some loans may have different repayment requirements or deadlines.
Job searching
Finding a job after university is a unique process for each student, and it can be very different for everyone. It’s important to understand that finding a job can take time — especially in competitive fields. On average, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to find the right role.
Here are some tips:
Start early
Begin searching for jobs ahead of your graduation. Attend career fairs, networking events, and make use of your university’s career services.
The more applications you make, the more you’ll learn from them — and the more success you’re likely to have.
Tailor your applications
Customise your CV and cover letter for each application. Highlight relevant skills and experiences, including notable university projects and any volunteering or extracurricular work.
Network
Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to build your network. We’ve created an exclusive Vita Student Alumni group to help you connect, access career advice, and explore opportunities.
Stay positive
Job hunting can be challenging, and rejections are part of the process. Stay positive, learn as you go, and keep moving forward.
CV advice
A well-written CV is key to securing interviews and landing your dream job. Here are some key tips:
Keep it concise
Your CV should be no more than two pages. Focus on relevant achievements and include a short personal summary highlighting your strengths, skills, and goals.
Showcase achievements
Focus on the impact you made in previous roles. Highlight results and skills developed, rather than just listing responsibilities.
Keep it professional
Use a clean, professional layout and avoid overly decorative fonts.
Proofread
Typos can put employers off. Proofread your CV multiple times to demonstrate attention to detail.
Additional qualifications and training
Continuing education and gaining additional qualifications can help enhance your career prospects. Consider the following:
Postgraduate studies
Pursuing a Master’s degree or other advanced qualifications can deepen your expertise and open up higher-level opportunities.
Professional certifications
Industry certifications demonstrate commitment to learning and can help you build practical, applied skills.
Online courses
Online platforms offer flexible learning across a range of topics, especially useful for developing technical skills like coding or video editing.
Mental health
Moving from university into the professional world can be a difficult transition. You may be leaving friends, questioning your career path, or adjusting to a new living situation. These changes can impact your mental health — but it’s important to remember this is completely normal.
Here are some ways to stay positive:
Stay connected
Keep in touch with friends and mentors. Stay active in group chats, plan reunions, and attend networking events to build new connections.
Go easy on yourself
Success isn’t immediate, and it’s easy to compare yourself to others. Remember that uncertainty is normal, and setbacks are part of the journey.
Be honest with yourself, set realistic goals, and take things one step at a time.
Prioritise mental health
Make time for activities that bring you joy — whether that’s hobbies, exercise, or relaxation. Maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout.
Seek professional help if needed
If the transition is significantly affecting your wellbeing, consider speaking to a therapist or counsellor for support.
To the future
While this marks the end of your university journey, it’s also the start of something new and exciting. Take things one day at a time, celebrate small wins, and remember that success isn’t linear.
Good luck!
