A successful transition to the world that awaits you after college graduation isn't easy. Particularly difficult is losing some benefits that come along with the title "college student."
I miss the joys and the blissfulness of college life (but not really the 20-page papers), however I'm starting to de-accustom myself to those college perks that made studying until 6 a.m. worth it — you should too!
Here is a brief list of perks that are all but forgotten after graduation:
Financial aid: Oh, how I long for the days when financial aid
paid for my room and board, reducing my financial worries to utilities, credit cards and cell phone bills! (Sure, I'll soon be paying back some of that financial aid, but during college I knew I had those costs covered.) Now I have to really watch my budget, making sure I have $595 a month for rent or else it's an eviction notice printed in brightly colored pastel paper tacked on my door. Oh, the horror!
Student discounts: I remember those days of nice student discounts on college essentials like movie tickets, bus passes, college checking and car insurance. Discounts that made going to the movies every weekend a bit easier on my wallet. But be prepared: Certain student incentives will vanish because you no longer qualify for them.
Stay up late and sleep in late: Oh, you can forget about this one, especially if you are working full-time. As much as I loved sleeping in, I had to break this habit because it takes away from being productive — not to mention I don't want to be fired! For those working, your weekends (Saturdays, Sundays, or whenever they may fall) are your friends so save the sleeping for then.
Tell me: What do you or did you miss after losing the "college student" title? Or for those of you still in school, what's your favorite perk?
June 25, 2010 5:47 AM | Reply
I miss making my own schedule and attending class when I wanted to. But now that I've graduated, I have to be more responsible! Even though I don't feel like going to work, I still need to! Whatever issue I'm dealing with is not greater than my pay check and interaction with clients and customers! I feel when I graduated, I needed to grow up a lot -- so I guess I miss the ability to not commit and be irresponsible (that sounds bad!), but then again, I'm growing into new things and even though they're difficult to adjust to, they're worth more than the old ways.
June 25, 2010 12:08 PM | Reply
Hello Erica,
I also miss the flexibility of scheduling classes around your time. However, the real world demands that you must work to pay bills and save such time for the weekends.
At least you don’ t have any essays to write!
Thanks for commenting.
August 12, 2010 10:26 AM | Reply
Hi Jessica!
I am going into my senior year of college and I will miss student rush tickets most of all! I am a huge fan of live theatre and the discounts they give for students on Broadway in New York (I was fortunate enough to spend a year there) and on the national tours are just wonderful, great seats for $30 and under most of the time!
-Whitney :-)