Heading into your final year can be daunting. What happens after university? What workload can I expect? Why can’t I just stay at university with my friends forever? No matter how you’re feeling, we’ve come up with a few tips to help you prepare for your final year before stepping into the real world:

Find out what your university offers after you graduate

Before heading back to uni, it's a good time to start looking at what your uni offers after you graduate. Most offer support years after graduation, which may include help with your job search, offering references and getting help with your CV. It’ll be important to know how they can be of help to you after you graduate: the earlier you prepare for the working world the better.

Start your final year project as soon as possible

It’s the most common advice for your final year for a reason. Your last year will most likely be your most intense and taking the time to prepare your final year project or dissertation will be a serious help when it comes to the hand-in date. It’ll come around sooner than you think.

Look for internships or part-time roles

Finding an internship or part-time role during your final year of university is a great way to gain some experience before heading out into the real world. Not only will it help give you some first-hand experience in the industry, but it might even lead to a job after you graduate! Most Universities will have some kind of portal where you can browse different job roles, but if not don’t be afraid to do your own research online.

Don’t worry if you haven’t got it figured out

The dreaded question asked by all visiting family, "so, what’s your plan after university?". It's a question that can be tough to answer, especially if you haven’t got it figured out just yet. After years of studying, you might not know what direction you want to take your career, or even have a career in mind! Whilst it might seem like all of your friends have got it figured out, don’t worry. There’s plenty of time to figure things out, and most Universities provide services after you graduate to look for jobs and help with your CV – so you’re not alone!

Make the most of your final year

With your student years coming to an end, be sure to make the most of it! Take the time to appreciate the facilities available to you, living near your uni friends and enjoying that sweet student loan (despite the impending student debt). University really is a once in a lifetime experience, and it’s not too late to join societies or do the things you never did in the first or second year.

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