There is nothing more bittersweet in life than college graduation. It’s the end of an era, but the “beginning of the rest of your life,” as the old cliché goes. Whether you’re stretching out your four (or five) years in undergrad or counting down the days to get out, you’ll probably be missing some of these things below when you’re a real person in the real adult world:
1. Free shirts
2. Free food
3. Free concerts
4. Free everything. College is the only place where you get free gym memberships, free sporting events, free guest speakers, free everything.
5. Acceptance and abundance of sweatpants and other slob-like ensembles in public.
6. Sushi, pizza, and junk food runs at 3 a.m. without judgment.
7. Skipping class. You may have gotten an A for the semester without attending class even once, but that won’t fly when at work.
8. Your carefree attitude. You have responsibilities now. You can’t risk a hangover after binge drinking on Wednesday night or showing up late to meetings.
Tell ‘em, Tyra.
9. College bars and ladies nights. Say goodbye to people your age and specials just for you.
10. Football season, tailgates, and school spirit. You can still sport your colors, but nothing will compare to gameday.
11. Long vacations. So long Spring Break, Winter Break, Summer Break, and five-day- weekend breaks just because you felt like it.
12. Easy opportunities to travel. There’s no study abroad or LSU road trip after graduation.
13. The ability to stay up late. Sorry, those days are gone.
14. Everything you need and everyone you want to be with all in one place.
15. School. Yes, even school. When you’re stressed at work (or perhaps stressed trying to find work), you’re going to miss the comfort in knowing your one sole job was being a full-time student.
But don’t feel too torn. You did it! You’re on your way to landing that dream job in a new city and your future. There are plenty of great benefits to come in your post-graduate life to cushion the heartache you may be feeling. Just remember those college perks you loved, and you’ll appreciate them in the rare times they come along again. Happy graduation, collegiettes™!