3rd year struggles + advice

Wondering if its too late to drop out of third year? Because same. But we can do this!

I've spent hours and hours looking at graduate jobs in my industry, then more hours looking at masters degrees because am I even ready for real life yet? Then back to graduate jobs because, Joely, stop being so silly. (not that masters are silly, just because my reasons for looking into them are)

So I've just started the second semester of my third and final year at university studying media, my first semester this year flew by and honestly did it even happen? Knowing that I have just over 3 months left of my degree is so surreal, how did I even make it this far? What the hell am I going to do with the rest of my life? If you're having these thoughts just like me heres some tips that I'm trying to live by until I finish.

1. Try not to stress too much about what you'll do after (i know, easier said then done). For me adding extra stress on top of everything going on in third year is just unwanted and unneeded. This isn't to say don't think about it completely, because it is something to keep in mind, I'm just saying don't stress yourself out about it.

2. When I have spare time, instead of watching YouTube and Netflix for a few hours I just have a look online at what kind of graduate jobs are around in the industry I'm looking to go in to. I want to go in to social media and digital marketing so I've just been googling 'graduate jobs in digital marketing' for example, just having a look will give you an idea for nearer to the time, and you never know, you may see a job that you're really interested in. If so just pop over to your careers department and they'll be able to help you with submitting an application. I feel like this is much less stress related way to plan for the future.

3. If you're interested in carrying on your studies a masters degree might be the way to go for you, your university is probably already contacting you regarding their range of masters, I know that mine is. If you want to study somewhere else its kind of the same as when you first are looking at universities, book open days, read entry requirements and all application processes will be available on the universities website.

4. Now for the dreaded dissertation, as I'm a media studies student I'm doing something a little different to the standard 10,000 written diss. I'm creating a 20 minute documentary, along with a written thesis. But whatever you're doing for your dissertation, planning ahead is the best thing to do. I've created a calendar up until my due date and have planned every week in-between. As long as I keep to my schedule I should be able to stay on top of things. This goes for all work too, set a goal and reward yourself when you've completed it.

5. Utilise your careers resources, personally we have a dedicated team in our school of media, that help with placements and careers advise. Just book an appointment and have a chat, they may be able to tell you where you should be looking, or any opportunities through the university.

6. University can be very stressful in general, especially in third year. So heres some things you can do to reduce some of that stress. Exercise (ew i know), now I don't mean hitting the gym everyday of the week because aint no one got time for that, but why not go for a brisk walk? I find that going for a 20-30 minute walk clears my head, I even come up with some ideas during these walks, eureka. Talk to someone, it can be your parents, your friends, siblings, or even someone working for the wellbeing services at your university. Maybe you'll find out someone is feeling exactly the same as you, that your not alone. If you're lucky enough to have a good support system, use it!

7. And finally, try and enjoy it! I know it's stressful and scary that its all coming to an end, so enjoy it while you still can! If you're like me then you moan about getting up for 9am lectures twice a week, we're going into the real world with 9am starts everyday, lets enjoy our lie ins and lazy student days while we can!!!

Relax, enjoy and focus on what the hell you're going to wear to graduation?????