Life after graduation: What now?
Your post-grad phase can bring many “firsts,” like:
- Your first full-time job.
- Your first time moving out.
- Your first time managing tasks like benefits or bills.
It’s normal to feel unsure or even a little scared. You might miss the routine of student life or feel pressure to have it all figured out. Just know, it’s okay not to have all the answers right now!
Here’s our top advice to help navigate this next chapter with ease.
Taking care of your mental health
Even good changes can be stressful sometimes. Your brain and body are getting used to a new routine, and that can bring up feelings like anxiety or sadness. Be kind to yourself! Try to eat well, sleep regularly, move your body and take breaks when you need to.
You don’t have to do it alone. You can always reach out to a trusted friend, a family member or a counsellor. Good2Talk offers free mental health support 24/7.
Remember, this time in your life won’t last forever. Things can look totally different even six months from now!
What to expect with your health coverage
If you’re an Ontario resident, OHIP (your basic health insurance) stays with you. It still covers things like doctor visits and emergency care.
If you’re an international student, your UHIP coverage ends on August 31 ,but you might be able to extend it for two more months. Check the UHIP After Graduation steps to find out how.
If you had additional health and dental coverage through York’s student plans:
- undergrad student coverage (YFS Plan) ends August 31;
- grad student coverage (YUGSA Plan) ends August 31; and
- if you were on a parent’s plan and you’re turning 25, your coverage might end, too.
Now is a good time to start planning how you’ll keep caring for your mind and body. Visit our Student Health website to learn about what resources are still available to you.
Job searching, one step at a time
The job search itself can feel like a full-time job. Setting small, realistic goals—like applying to five positions per week—can make things feel more manageable. Your first job doesn’t have to be your forever job. Give yourself grace to grow!
Pro tip: Did you know that York’s Career Centre still supports you for two years after graduation? York alumni also get six months of free LinkedIn Learning! Stay connected and learn more about perks and events on the Alumni and Friends website.
“Graduating felt exciting but also overwhelming. You think you’re done learning, but really, it’s just the beginning. I’ve learned to stay open to change, network early and prioritize my mental health. Not every job will be perfect, but every step teaches you something. Don’t be afraid to stretch beyond your comfort zone—it’s where growth happens.”
Building a new routine
One of the best ways to support your well-being is by creating a new routine. This doesn’t need to mirror a 9-to-5 schedule, but having structure—like morning movement, scheduled breaks or a regular bedtime—can provide stability.
Celebrate the small wins, too. Graduation is a huge milestone, and so is sending out a resume, going to an interview or making a doctor’s appointment!
Leaving university may feel like the end of an era, but it’s also the beginning of something new. You don’t need to have it all figured out today. Take it one step at a time and be kind to yourself as you grow into this next chapter.
References
York University. (2025, June 9). End of an Era: Preparing for Post-Grad Life. YU Blog. Retrieved from https://yublog.students.yorku.ca/preparing-for-post-grad-life
