The Real World? Or something like it.

“So, what’s it lke in the real world? Well, the food is better, but beyond that, I don’t recommend it.”

-Bill Watterson

The countdown begins.

In 8 days I officially become a graduate of the University of East Anglia with a 2.1 BA (Hons) American and English Literature. 10 days ago I finally submitted my application for the MA Education and Development, also at UEA. Apparently I just can’t get enough.

So what now?  Do I enter “The Real World”? Or is that only reserved for when I eventually leave university? Either way life feels different.

I may not be leaving my beautiful university city of Norwich quite yet, but the friends I have made from the very beginning will no longer be my daily companions. It is all hitting me at once that my life in Norwich will never be the same; from the people, to the school of study, right down to the house I’ll (eventually) be living in.

As the months have gone by, more and more of my friends have found amazing full-time jobs or are planning long and short-term moves abroad. This past weekend I’ve been in the sunny southern Spanish city of Jerez de la Frontera for my cousin’s wedding, surrounded by people who already belong to “The Real World”. Speaking to professional thirty-year olds is so much different to speaking to your parents, not least beacause the 7 rather than 27 year age gap makes it far easier to imagine yourself in their shoes. But it is also more intimidating. And it certainly it reminds you that, whether you’re ready for it or not, “The Real World” is ready for you. It comes quickly, doesn’t it? The time has come to step out. The crazy university days are over.

But thankfully the crazy days are never over!

The fun doesn’t have to stop when you become an adult outside of student life. In fact, putting aside loan repayments, it probably just gets better. Now is the time to embrace the new you because, let’s face it, university changes you in more ways you could imagine. It doesn’t feel like it right now, but change is good. Change is The Real World.

But don’t forget: reality is worth nothing without dreams.