How To Master the Post-Grad Transition and Make Your First Summer Out of College a Great One
It’s finally here. The culmination of years of hard work, late-night study sessions, and copious amounts of caffeine: graduation.
Once the cap and gown are packed away, a new challenge presents itself in the post-grad transition. It’s a thrilling, yet sometimes daunting, life stage filled with firsts and opportunities to shape the adult you’re becoming. As the tassel turns from student to graduate, this article will guide you on how to make the most of your first summer out of college.
Making the jump from student life to full-fledged adulting doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, it can be downright exciting, filled with growth and exploration. We’ll cover everything from moving out of student housing — yes, that includes parting ways with those less-than-stellar roommates and claiming a space that’s truly your own — to developing a healthy daily routine that isn’t reliant on pizza and energy drinks.
So, grab a coffee, make yourself comfortable, and get ready to take the first steps toward your post-graduation life adventure.
Plan To Move Out of Student Housing
As the final strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” fade away, a new symphony begins — the symphony of moving out. Bidding adieu to student housing, with its institutional furniture and the scent of instant ramen wafting through the halls, is your first step into post-grad life.
It’s an exhilarating step, but it can also feel daunting. Don’t worry: We’ve got you covered. Let’s tackle this together so you can move out of those dorms or your second-rate student apartment and into your future in style.
1. MPOWER Makes Student Loans a Breeze
Let’s talk student loans. For many, it’s the inevitable aftermath of college, like a lingering final exam.
Securing a loan without a cosigner can feel like advanced calculus, especially for international students. Traditionally, you might need a cosigner, an adult with a good credit score who can back your loan. It’s the bank’s way of ensuring the money you borrow will be repaid. What happens if a cosigner isn’t an option?
That’s where MPOWER steps in, shaking up the conventional loan landscape and making it possible to get a student loan without cosigner. If you need money in your last few semesters or your situation has changed, securing a final student loan can help ensure this stressful time isn’t made more stressful.
2. Pack Your Bags Right With July’s Best Carry-On Luggage
Now that we’ve navigated the loan landscape, it’s time to get packing. Say goodbye to overstuffed duffel bags and hello to the best carry on luggage from July. You’re not just packing for a holiday but for the journey into post-grad life. To be fair, you are hopefully on the precipice of real adult weekends with no homework, so having a stylish carry-on ready for your first weekend away doesn’t hurt.
Selecting the right carry-on luggage is as essential as the items you put in it. It should be reliable, robust, and ready to go wherever life takes you next. That’s exactly what you get with July. Their luggage is designed to make your transition smooth and stylish. The right luggage can make all the difference whether you’re moving cross-country or just a few blocks away.
It’s about more than just functionality. The way you move reflects the person you’re becoming. Make a statement. Show the world that you’re ready for whatever comes next. With July’s carry-on luggage, you’re not just carrying your belongings. You’re carrying your dreams, your ambitions, and your readiness to embrace what lies ahead.
As you prepare to leave the student housing behind, remember that this is more than a move — it’s a leap toward the future. The real world might seem a bit daunting, but with July by your side, you’re ready to make the great escape and dive headfirst into the exciting world of post-grad life.
Develop a Healthy Routine
Stepping into the world of adulting is no easy feat, especially when it comes to redefining your daily routine. Gone are the days of late-night pizza runs and surviving on energy drinks. It’s time to care for yourself, mind, body, and soul. It all begins with building healthier habits.
You don’t have to say goodbye to all the fun you had in college when you graduate! You’re still young and probably have a few more years before those unhealthy habits catch up to you. However, developing a healthy adult routine and good habits now will make your life better in both the short and the long term and make it easier for you to adjust to the expectations of no longer being a student.
3. Rest Easy With SONU Sleep
First things first, let’s talk about sleep. Quality sleep isn’t just about counting sheep. It’s a cornerstone of good health. For those of you who sleep on your side, a comfortable pillow can make all the difference.
Enter SONU Sleep’s game-changing side sleepers pillow with arm hole. Its innovative design helps align your spine and reduce pressure on your shoulders and neck. This can help you maintain your physical health as you get older and perhaps spend more time at a desk than before.
It’s also a huge upgrade if you’re coming from dormitory beds where comfort was definitely not a priority, and tiny upgrades like this can really help you start to feel like you’ve entered the “grown-up” phase of your life.
4. Sip Your Way to Health With Olipop’s Healthy Soda
Now, who doesn’t love a fizzy treat every now and then? Traditional sodas might be a delicious delight, but they aren’t always the best choice for your health. But what if you could enjoy that fizz without the guilt?
With Olipop’s healthy soda, you can. Their healthy soda offers all the bubbly fun without the usual downsides. It’s a refreshing and guilt-free way to indulge in soda cravings while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. So, pop open a can of Olipop’s healthy soda, and let the bubbles dance on your tongue!
5. Get the Most Out of Your Supplements: Do Vitamins From Ritual Expire?
Vitamins — those little capsules of health-promoting goodness — are essential to your well-being. Getting into a good routine in terms of vitamins and supplements can be a huge help to your health, especially if you’re not getting all your fruits and veggies while you’re grinding through your first post-grad job.
But, like all good things, they do have a shelf life. If you’ve been less than consistent about taking your vitamins in your student life, you might not have wanted to waste your high-quality Ritual vitamins, but it’s important to ask the question: Do vitamins expire?
They probably won’t become harmful, but they might lose their potency over time. Be sure to check the packaging for expiry dates and take your vitamins consistently.
6. Soothe Your Skin With Sunmed’s Luxurious CBD Cream
Whether you’re getting into that post-grad gym routine to reset after that freshman 15 or are having trouble adjusting your body to a grueling commute and long days at a desk chair where you previously had more time to move around, Sunmed’s luxurious CBD cream can help restore and soothe your sore spots.
This full-spectrum topical CBD cream can help your recovery, and it’s smart to take care of yourself so that things don’t get away from you, leading to fatigue and injuries in the future.
7. Say Goodbye to Bloat With BUBS Naturals’ Gummies
Let’s talk about something a bit unexpected: digestion. Healthy digestion is key to feeling your best, and BUBS Naturals has just the thing to help: ACV Gummies. They’re a simple, delicious way to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your routine, helping you maintain a healthy gut.
Find Your Signature Look
Now that you’ve tossed that graduation cap high into the sky, it’s time to swap out those standard-issue college sweats for your own unique style.
Finding your signature look is a process of self-discovery, a visual representation of your personality, and a reflection of your growth beyond the college gates.
8. Get Your Flutter on With Lashify’s DIY Lash Extensions
First impressions matter; a striking gaze can say more than a thousand words. Elevate your look with Lashify’s DIY lash extensions. Whether you’re prepping for a job interview or getting ready for a night out, these lash extensions can add that special touch of glamour and confidence to your look.
They can also shave time off your morning routine. No need to both with mascara if you wake up with long, lustrous lash extensions!
9. Show Off Your Personality With Embroidered Clothing From Johnny Was
Expressing yourself through your clothing is a fantastic way to showcase your creativity and telegraph to new colleagues and potential employers that, despite being a new grad, you know exactly who you are. And what better way to do it than with Johnny Was embroidered clothing?
Each piece is a canvas, where every thread tells a part of your story. Whether you’re going for a relaxed, bohemian vibe or a sleek, contemporary look, these embroidered pieces can add that touch of personal flair to your wardrobe.
10. Dive Into Summer With Solid & Striped’s Best Bikinis
Let’s face it, the first summer out of college calls for the perfect bikini. When it comes to the best bikinis, Solid & Striped has got you covered. Their swimwear is all about comfort, style, and a dash of adventure.
With Solid & Striped, you’re not just donning a bikini — you’re embracing your spirit of adventure, love for the sun, and readiness to dive into new experiences. So, slather on some sunscreen, put on your favorite bikini and make this summer one to remember.
11. Professional Meets Trendy in Everlane’s Blazers
As you step into the professional world, it’s important to look the part. And especially as you’re getting to know your colleagues and throwing yourself into networking for the first time, you need professional clothes that easily go from work to night out.
A professional yet cool blazer from Everlane is both perfectly professional and perfectly cool with a simple change in accessories. They’re clear that you’re ready to take on the world while staying true to your style.
12. Step Up Your Style Game With Static Nails
Finally, let’s not forget the power of a great manicure. With Static Nails’ easy stick-on nails, you can have a stunning manicure in minutes without the salon price tag. They’re a quick, affordable, and fun way to add a pop of color to your style.
From subtle pastels for a day at the office to bold glitters for a night out, Static Nails gives you the versatility to mix and match as your heart desires. After all, your style is a reflection of you — vibrant, dynamic, and ever-changing.
Graduation Day
While transitioning from student to grad may be challenging at times, it’s also an incredible opportunity to define your life’s next chapter. The routines you create, the lifestyle choices you make, and even the style you embrace will play a key role in shaping your future.
Embrace the change, seize the opportunities, and remember to have fun with it. After all, graduation doesn’t mean you have to give up on all the fun times of your student years — it just means embracing new ways of expressing yourself and having fun.
McClatchy newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
