If you’ve recently graduated, you may feel as though you need to get yourself out of the poor AF student lifestyle and into a full-time job ASAP. But if you’ve just finished an intense degree, you might want to give yourself a break and a pat on the back before rushing into the next intense period of your life.

As soon as full-time work starts, there no free weekdays and no chances to take a holiday whenever you feel like it – so here’s how to make the most of post-uni life while you can.

Take On Some Side Hustles And Save That Cash

You don’t know how long it’ll take for you to land a full-time gig, so it’s best not to go blowing all your money immediately in a post-uni spree. While holidays are the most expensive time when it means catch-ups and free time, you might need more than your usual casual job to sustain you.

Now that you have the free time, pick up that side hustle you’ve been considering. Thought about getting on the app bandwagon and trying Uber or Deliveroo? Or maybe you have a particular talent suited to your very own Etsy store – whatever your talent, make the most of the free time to make some spare dollarydoos. And while you’re making that money, try avoid the urge to splurge.

Take A Celebratory Trip

Finishing uni is a huge achievement, so it shouldn’t go without celebration. Take a road trip with your fellow graduates or take a solo trip overseas (if your budget allows it). A necessary trip might involve some much needed R&R to recover from the intensity that was your last exams (hopefully) ever. If you can afford a long trip – now is your time to be spontaneous and just book it. Keep in mind that when you get a full-time job, it takes time to earn up the leave you need and even then, it’s usually only four weeks of annual leave a year. Go forth now and have a trip of a lifetime before you sign up for the nine to five grind.

Do What You’ve Always Wanted To Do (And Not Because It Looks Good On A CV)

When you finish uni and you’re on a search for a grad job, you might end up on a never-ending quest to add more skills and experience to your CV. Instead of focussing on getting job-ready, focus on yourself and what you want to do. If you’ve always wanted to run a marathon, go scuba diving or learn origami, now is your chance. Do new things because you want to, not because you think it’ll make you look impressive to a potential employer. Although the happy irony is if you do pursue your passions and have interests out of your work life, chances are this will be impressive to future employers.

Tee Up Weekday Plans With Your Fellow Just-Graduated Friends

As soon as you start working full-time, say goodbye to free weekdays and hello to cramming a million activities into each weekend. There’s not many times in your life you can sleep in, lazily saunter to the beach and head to an outdoor bar with some friends on a Tuesday afternoon. Job hunting and full-time work can start when the cold-weather blues do – make the most of your summer break (before it’s your last summer of total freedom).

Don’t Panic If You Still Don’t Have A Grad Job

If your fellow graduates are all landing jobs straight out of uni and you’re the only one unemployed, this isn’t a reason to stress. It’s better to give yourself a proper chance to rest and recover before diving straight into a full-time job. It shouldn’t be a race or a measure of success as to who gets the first job. More jobs will arise and when you’re ready, you’ll have the time to sit down and apply properly for a job you really want, not just because you’re rushing to get one.