Prepare For the Upcoming Transition

Whether you’re a senior in college or you’re in graduate school, the transition to the “real world,” whatever that may be, looms near. And even though it is exciting, it’s also stressful. Here are some tips to mitigate the anxiety of this upcoming change.

Stay in touch. Sure, you and your besties from school promise to phone and see each other as much as possible. But it becomes difficult to keep this up when you live in different cities and start building lives of your own. Make a conscious effort to send regular emails (at least once a week) and keep up with each other on Facebook. Phone time can be tricky, so plan in advance to call on special days, like birthdays and holidays. If you live close enough or can handle the cost, arrange a reunion of sorts once or twice a year to strengthen relationships.

Mind your money. Once school is over, loan payments kick in. If you’ve been living in on-campus housing and now have your own place, rent, utilities and groceries will also be added expenses. While this sounds obvious, it can be a shock when it comes time to pay the bills. A good way to make sure you have enough money is to write down exactly what your expenses are — down to the littlest things like toothpaste! — and ensure that you make enough to cover them. If you still find yourself scrimping at the end of the month, keep a budget journal by writing down everything you spend money on everyday. With this information you’ll be able to make changes if need be. And if you need to find more ways to make money, you’ll know.

Find new friends. The best way to make friends? At the office! You’re spending at least eight hours a day with your coworkers, so carve out some time for chit chat, or go out to lunch together. Don’t have a job yet? Join a networking group. Not only a good way to make friends, you can score business contacts too. Also, be open to finding friends anywhere — like standing on line at the supermarket.

Explore. Do you live in a new place? Get to know it! Take one day a month with a friend, roommate or significant other (or go solo) and act as a tourist would. Find your new favorite restaurant and then challenge yourself to top it. Are you living somewhere you already know? Hit all your old haunts. Then go places you’ve never been before, or that you’ve always wanted to try.