After you graduate from school you’re bound to experience plenty of changes that might take a while to get used to. As students, we’re used to routines that include busy schedules filled with class, homework, and balancing social lives, but after you graduate your schedule is very different. You might be traveling this summer or maybe you’re starting your first full-time job in your field of study. Whatever your plans are post-graduation, your life is likely going to be pretty different from the life you were used to as a student.

To help you adjust to life after graduation, here are some things to keep in mind:

Be proud of your accomplishment

First things first, take a moment to be proud of your accomplishment! Graduating from college or university is a big deal and you deserve to celebrate yourself. For years you went to class, studied hard, and put a lot of money into your education. So, before anything else, just take the time to truly realize how far you’ve come and what you’ve achieved.

In time (and with hard work) you’ll get where you want to be

Life after graduation is strange. For years you’ve probably been in school and you’re not used to the newfound freedom that presents itself after you graduate. You might feel pressure to get a job and start the career of your dreams. Throughout this time, remember to try to be patient. If you put in the time and effort, things will work out, so don’t stress yourself out too much.

Keep learning

Though you should definitely take time to relax and be proud of yourself for all the hard work you’ve put in to your education, being a lifelong learner is important. Even though you’re no longer in school, you should always be curious and eager to learn, whether it’s at work or on your spare time. By making a point to learn throughout your life, you’ll continue to grow as a person.

Do things that make you happy

Life after graduation can be a bit stressful, whether it’s because you’re working a new job or worried because you’re looking for a job, you have to remember to have fun. Doing things that make you happy is always important. If that means taking the time to travel or even just spending time with family and friends, you’ve got to include time in life for yourself and your overall well-being.

Set new goals

So you’ve graduated from school and you’re starting a new chapter of your life. Whatever your plans are after graduation, you should set some new goals. They can be big or small, professional or personal, whatever works for you. Setting goals means that you’re working toward something. That’s a good way to start the next chapter of your life.

No matter what the future holds after graduation, try to take the lessons you’ve learned into the next chapter of your life. And again, remember, you’ve accomplished something huge, so be proud of yourself!

Not graduating quite yet? Check out advice from this year’s graduating students and make sure to stay up-to-date with IGNITE and all our events.