Blogs: Danielle on dealing with post-university blues

Post 6

Danielle King graduated from Aston University, Birmingham, with a BSc in English Language. She now works as an editorial assistant

From the early stages of secondary school, right up to my time at Aston University, the most common phrase that rolled off every elder's tongue was something along the lines of 'it's the best time of your life, you won't know how to cope with working everyday once you're done'.

Well, it's almost two months since I joined the full-time club and I thought I'd share some pearls of wisdom on how to cope with the post-university blues.

For me, the biggest concern was coping of waking up at 6am everyday to catch my daily commute. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't the type of student that rolled into bed at 4am and out of bed at 2pm (quite the opposite in fact, I'd thrive in getting up at around 7am to go to the gym), but the prospect of not having much choice in the matter was a little more daunting.

I have to admit that, although I don't skip out of bed every day, your body adapts pretty quickly. You know yourself better than anyone else, and I know that to survive a full day's productivity I need around seven hours sleep - so I make sure I get it.

That way I can make sure I'm not late for work by hitting snooze, and I can be as helpful and optimistic as possible throughout the day... It also makes Sunday morning lie-ins even more enjoyable!

Second on the list of concerns for most graduates is not knowing if they have what it takes in the world of work.

I certainly started to doubt myself after receiving more reject letters than interviews, and when I finally got the call I was waiting for, I imagined myself rocking in a corner surrounded by files and folders on my first day.

My advice? Look over your CV - it's the perfect place that showcases the talents you may have forgotten you had. And remember, the employer knows it's your first day, and possibly your first role, so don't expect to be chucked in the deep end.

Last of all, make sure you enjoy it! Jobs shouldn't be something you dread, after all you will be spending 40 odd hours there a week.

Stay focused on your responsibilities, but make the effort with colleagues around you. If you're lucky enough like me to have started work, Christmas is the perfect time to learn everyone's names and write out those spare Christmas cards that you've had hiding under your bed since sixth form.

And with the festive season in mind, I hope I've brought some comfort (and joy) to you with these tips!