Lily Gregory, Senior Agony Aunt
University is supposedly one of the most amazing periods of your life. Graduates only ever sing songs of praise about their time at university. But nobody really tells you what’s next. Sure, they’ll give you advice and tell you that the job market will be okay. But that doesn’t compare to what you or I might experience.
As someone who graduated over the summer of 2025, I wanted to see how people have moved on from university, and what has changed for them since graduation. I spoke to a couple friends who graduated alongside me in August 2025. James studied Maths, Sophie studied English and Creative Writing, and Ashleigh and I studied Classical Studies. No story is the same, and I hope this can help you see that anything is possible once you move on from Royal Holloway.
Firstly, I asked everyone what they were currently doing, and what they have done in the last few months since graduating.
Sophie told me how she has spent the last few months recovering from intense academia, and is now finding a place for herself in the post-academia world. She acknowledges that she has had to deal with rejections from job applications, but remains hopeful that something will arise soon.
James has begun to study a Masters of Science degree in Statistical Science at the University of Oxford, a topic that he has developed a great passion for. He understands that the next year will be incredibly demanding, especially coming straight out of an undergraduate degree, but he is excited for the rewards which will come in the future.
Ashleigh discussed the massive changes in her life. After a period of rest and working part time, she had the opportunity to move to Denmark for a few months. The chance to learn a new language and culture, whilst learning more about herself outside an academic context is something she jumped at.
And for me? I decided to stay at Royal Holloway, to study a Masters of Arts in Ancient History. I didn’t want to leave the university I fell in love with. However, it has been hard, at times. I couldn’t do the masters I wanted, and most of my friends have gone, so I am starting a new course and trying to make new friends; I feel like a fresher all over again. But it is an exciting journey, and I will continue to push forward no matter what comes.
So what is next for everyone?
Sophie initially found this question funny, remarking how this is one of the most common questions a graduate is asked after graduation. But she plans to volunteer at a primary school, gain experience as a teaching assistant, and go on to do a masters in Speech and Language Therapy. It took her some time to find what she wanted to do, but she is excited for the future.
Once James completes his masters, he would like to get into an industry where he can combine statistical thinking and real-world impact. He also says that he wants to learn to prioritise time with his friends and family. Not all future goals have to be job-related.
Ashleigh wants to do a Classics masters and eventually apply for jobs in the publishing and writing industry, a passion that developed during her undergraduate degree.
Personally, I have no clue what comes next. My current focus is to finish my masters. However, I am completely undecided on what comes after that. I might get into political journalism or political speech writing, but the path ahead looks tricky and riddled with obstacles. But I am okay with not knowing. Like you, reader, I am still young and have an entire life of decision making ahead of me. I am in no particular rush.
When asked to reflect on one thing everyone regretted about their university experience, or wished they had done, I felt a sense of relatability, and perhaps you will too. Constantly chasing academic perfectionism, not partaking in opportunities, not joining sports or societies, and letting insecurities and disabilities affect potential adventures and experiences.
Everyone has something they regret, and that is okay. This is your journey, so live it how you want.
Finally, I asked everyone to give one piece of advice. Sophie urges you to find balance between your studies and your personal life. James asks you to learn independence, both academically and in your social life, as it is a skill that will help you throughout life. Ashleigh tells you to breathe, and remember to take one day at a time, no matter how overwhelming things get. Personally, I would urge you to journal. I understand it can be a big ask, but being able to reflect fully on your days will bring you mental clarity now, and joy in the future.
I also asked my friends how they would summarise their Royal Holloway experiences in one word; inspiring, incomparable, transformative, and unique. This is what I wish upon everyone reading; a time at university that helps build who you are and a time you can reflect joyfully on.
So really, I want to reassure you. No matter where you are in your degree, be it the start, middle or end of your Bachelors degree, or starting your postgraduate degree, I want you to know that everything will be okay. Things may not go as planned, but life has some brilliant things in store for you. Just keep trying, even as the dark winter months draw in. Everything is going to be okay for you, reader.
(Photo by author)