What are some things to do while in University City?

How can I move on from university?

• Hey guys. I recently graduated from university over the summer, and now I am at home but doing an internship for a software company in my home city (couldn't get a proper job without experience!). Anyway... I wake up every day feeling sick to my stomach because I university so much. It's weird. Now I'm at home I've lost my independence, my own space and money (although student loans funded that!). A few months ago I had my own house, money and was seeing a nice girl. Fast forward to now and I have none of it. I keep having vivid dreams about good times I had at university and all my friends and then I wake up and realise it's not real. I am currently applying for graduate jobs in the city where I went to university because I desperately want to move back there. Why am I finding it so hard to move on? Do you think it's because I had independence, house etc and now I don't, so naturally I'm going to reminisce over the time when things were going really well for me? Do you think if I get a job there and move out ASAP that things will be good again? I'm so depressed that it makes me feel sick to my stomach. Some of my friends are there still so it wouldn't be the same as before, but very similar at very least! I've even considered returning to university next year because I miss it so much. I think it's more the lifestyle than anything because you're constantly meeting new people and enjoying yourself. Could I still have that lifestyle if I didn't go back to university? I'd really appreciate any comments etc. It's not something I can really discuss with my parents in depth because they typically answer with "you lived in a bubble for 3 years" which I am aware of, but I was my own person and I loved it!

• Answer:

  I feel you. I too lived in a bubble. I am back home with my parents AND going to school. Its sooo sooo soooo rough. I miss being able to get up, go outside at night and not have ANYONE question me about it. Now, as soon as it gets dark I have my parents calling me on the cellphone asking why I'm not home yet. Even when I am at school doing work!! I can't afford a car and am perpetually broke. It really sucks that college has not prepared anyone for life after school. I had to figure all that out myself. I find that talking to my old friends and planning a meet up really helps. Call, Email or even Instant Message them and talk about your lives. I have one friend who graduated and cannot find a "real job" so now works at a local super market. Another friend works part time in photography ( she had a degree in Art). And yet another does freelance at home. Only one has a "good job" an engineer. Ugh!!!! Atleast I do not feel so alone. I feel you on the college part. I knew someone who worked full time with my old university as a residence hall associate director. She basically gets paid to live near the university. And another college student who went to grad school because he didnt want to leave college yet. I cant blame them. Just remember, if you go back, it will NOT be like the days before. All your friends have moved on and you will be alike a freshman having to make new friends and meet ppl all over again. I went to a public university with nearly a quarter of my highschool friends. Those were good days, but I cant get them back because everyone is GONE now. I feel like I waste my time when I think about the past and go through facebook photos , so I try to focus on all the good days ahead. I have a meet up planned for thanksgiving and a vacation planned for this comming summer. yeah, you really cant talk about it with parents. They just dont understand ( esp. mine, who went to college and got good jobs right away)!