Wearied by the countless course works and class assignments, fresh graduates cannot wait to leave University and all its ‘misery’ and taste a feel of ‘independence’.

The celebration is, however, short-lived upon the realization that Life is not as anticipated. Graduates without jobs feel invisible especially to their parents who shift all the attention to the young siblings.  In an African setting, most parents do not expect a graduate to ask for anything money-related but to get a job and foot for some home basic needs.

Those with jobs are also struck by the unexpected rules at their new workplaces and therefore not free to do all they want and the fact that, their once “home sweet home” is sweet no more. The graduates (especially males) lose their sense of belonging and feel way too out grown to be staying at their parent’s homes.

The misguided information that graduates receive from their peers about life is after campus makes them believe it is full of milk and honey and everything will be done ‘there way’. They forget it is their parents who have been paying the bills.

In the search for independence, many are left traumatized at the mere fact that they cannot buy their freedom and independence; it is way too expensive than calculated.

To all fresh graduates, here is how you can enjoy a free and independent life after campus without draining your wallet, bank accounts and your parent’s savings.

1. Note your priorities. After graduation, it is very important to sit in a quiet and relaxed environment (it could be your family room or any place to which you can concentrate) to reflect on your life. Look back at your life style since childhood, the things that have been appealing to you. Is it how you want to spend the rest of your entire life? If yes, find out Why? how? And whether it is an objective choice.

1. If no, it is not like you have to go back to the ‘drawing board’ and sketch your next life journey. I believe there are some aspects of your life that you can draft on to build an exciting life pillar. Also find out what you need to do away with, the friends to keep and toss and the mannerism to rubbish. Remember, you an adult, the choice and principles you make will affect your future family. You are free to compare or even ask people with some experience for guidance but not to choose for you. This is a quiet difficult stage as you may have conflicting loyalties especially from parents. However, it is your life we are talking about, make your choice, and choose your future. Good Luck.
2. Set your first step into the world; look for a job. It is advisable to start looking for a job before graduation; however, it is never too late for a lucky bird to take hold of an opportunity. Write your CV and resume, prepare your documents, have your social media accounts buzzing with likes and comments and set out to look for a job. The only mistake that fresh graduates do is to look only within their professional descriptions. When you just out of university without experience, you have few or no option and therefore should be welcome some jobs to act as a baseline for your experience.

1. Move out of your parent’s home. You are no longer a baby dude, leave your “mother’s breasts!” This maybe the most difficult decision to make especially on the ladies side but you will thank me later. Look at this wise quote by Anita Baker “You leave home to seek your fortune and, when you get it, you go home and share it with your family” Regardless of whether you have a job or not, it is a wise decision to go to some place away from home. You can stay with a friend or relative or even combine efforts with someone to pay rent. Read this one out too from Dirk Benedict “Children who cling to parents or who don’t want to leave home are stunted in their emotional, psychological growth.” Staying at home will mean staying buy your parent’s regulations? These parents never seem to let us be, we are always young in their faces. Moving out will not only be the stepping stone to your freedom but also the only means you can ever own up your responsibility. You do not have to be a cry baby all the, there is a time to ‘man up’. Besides, there is a saying that goes; “If you love your son, let him leave home.” You won’t stay with your parents forever.  Herman Nyanzi, a 2019 graduate said that moving away from his parent’s house immediately after campus opened doors to getting a job at Ultimate Multimedia Consult Uganda even before graduation.
2. You don’t need a house, a room is enough.

1. A well spiced and decorated self-contained room can work wonders and add magic to your new life. Only rent a room that is enough for you and fit your potential income. It will be unfortunate to shift and the next month you back to your parent’s house for failure to pay rent. It is also advisable to rent in a place ‘full of opportunities’ to open doors for luck. Safety and hygiene of the place is paramount.
2. Tell your peers about your financial status. It might sound like an infringement on your privacy but believe me; it is to your advantage. If you can afford to go to restaurants, order an appetizer or split an entree with a friend who you’ve already informed of your budget. It’s a lot cheaper than getting your own meal.

1. A friend who is well aware of your wallet issues will always devise means of having fun with you without necessarily over spending. The can easily take you for a treat:](wink)
2. Check on your sex/love life. To live a fun life after graduation, avoid relationships that have no direction. You now grown up for the ‘cat and mouse’ game. Therefore getting into a health and non-hectic love affair will be the best option to a ‘fun life’. If it is possible, try to give sex or love a ‘breather’ until you are clear it is mutual and healthy.

1. Determine How You Want To Live Your Life. Another great way to having a free and independent ‘after-grad’ lifestyle is to consider how you want to live your life “It’s important to have your priorities straight so you’re living a life of purpose and fulfillment that feels good for you. When you have your priorities straight and know what’s important to you, you’re more inline with your intentions and what you really want out of life,” Clarified a certain psychologist.

• Wake up at odd hours. This can be extremely jarring but it can also be really effective. If you’re used to getting up at 6 or 7 a.m., try getting up at 3 or 4 in the morning especially on weekends and you can have a nap later in the day to have some change of routine.

• Spend according to budget. A budget is an ultimate way of avoiding unnecessarily. Have a list of your needs. Some can be long term and have to wait for a monthly salary forexample a bed while others maybe short term needed on a weekly basis like food stuff. This will help you prioritize the most important over the less important errands. Remember to also negotiate with that grocery keeper to save some few coins.

1. Join meetup and yoga groups

1. get some time for hangouts with friends. Also find time for physical exercise to keep in shape You can still enjoy your surroundings without spending a penny!

“It’s a journey of twists and turns, peaks and valleys, mountains to climb and oceans to explore. Good times and bad times. Happy times and sad times. But always, life is a movement forward. No matter where you are on the journey, in some way, you are continuing on — and that’s what makes it so magnifient. What nobody ever tells you, though, when you are a wide-eyed child, are all the little things that come along with “growing up.” The things pull you down from your dreaming cloud and force you to plant your feet on the ground,” Nicholas Cole once stated.

However, talking to a psychologist, therapist or any other professional will be of great help. You can visit our site www.campustimes.com for more information and tips for campus students and graduates.

  fun, Graduation, how to spend less, Independence, independent life, JOBS, LEAVING HOME, Life after Graduation, love, money, Relationships, rent, sex, staying with parents, Work