6 Postgrad Problems and How to Solve Them

Whether a return to university means a new career, some definitive direction in your life or simply a long-awaited return to your institution’s water polo team, beginning a postgraduate degree is an exciting moment. But with excitement comes nerves – it’s a new direction, and you’ll quickly find that even formerly confident and dauntless students could be having a hard time coping with the bizarre bait-and-switch that is your postgraduate year. But fear not, we’re on hand to give you some guidelines to the six biggest problems you may face in your first term. 

1. Making Friends As a Postgrad 

The Problem: For many, the first year of undergraduate university began with a “we’re-all-in-this-together” spirit, but all this can change when you choose to return as a postgraduate. Many of your key relationships are already formed, and the vast network of potential friends can be severely diminished. 

The Solution: It's important to recognise that most postgrads are in the same boat. Introduce yourself to your course colleagues and seek to expand your social circle in the same way you did as an undergrad. Unless your course is extremely intense, most schedules will accommodate joining sports teams and common-interest clubs too, so you can still have a social life. 

Go to: Read more about How To Make Friends as a Postgrad

2. The Postgrad Learning Curve 

The Problem: Your first undergraduate year began with a gentle nudge into university life. A magical year of 40% pass rates, a few introductory lectures and lunchtime pints. At postgrad, within weeks you’ll be given daily deadlines and a work time schedule – those expecting an easy year are in for a rude awakening. 

The Solution: Knowing this information is half the battle. Ask for a breakdown of the term and anticipate which deadlines are coming up and the level of work required. End-of-term projects should be started as early as possible so nothing will take you by surprise.  

Go to: Read more about How To Manage Your Time as a Postgraduate Student

3. Going Out As a Postgrad 

The Problem: You’re still fun. Really, you are. It’s not your fault you’ve been too busy studying to know what songs are popular right now. It’s also not your fault that the concept of staying in with a book and some biscuits sounds much more appealing than going to a club on a Wednesday night after going to the same club on Tuesday and Monday. 

The Solution: Don’t go out partying like you did as an undergraduate. At least, not as much as you used to. Plan ahead with mates and make it a big occasion. You’ll have so much more fun with like-minded people than you will bar-hopping with the freshers anyway. 

4. Funding Your Lifestyle 

The Problem: The bizarre thing about the postgraduate lifestyle is that it can often feel like a full-time job, except you don’t get paid. With the rising prices of travel, the temptation of expensive comfort food while studying and the small matter of rent alongside any hobbies you may want to keep up, it’s a lot to juggle before even glancing at your Amazon wish list. 

The Solution: Sadly, there is no cast-iron solution to this one. The postgraduate loans from the government do help matters, but common sense, part-time jobs and budgeting effectively are the only real ways to manage money efficiently. We recommend setting up a spreadsheet to keep track of expenditures and giving you a clear view of where you could save money. 

Go to: Read the ULTIMATE Postgraduate Funding Guide

5. Getting a Break 

The Problem: The main reason why many students go back to university is to set themselves up on a career path. But even with a year or two of specialist study, that first break is hard-won and the weeks prior to the good news can be especially demoralising. Sadly jobs aren’t going to knock on your door because you now have two degrees. 

The Solution: Use your time wisely. If you want something out of university, you’ll need to network – which unfortunately means internships or work experience. Ask your course director if they have any recommendations and schedule short industry-relevant work placements during periods such as Easter break. These brief periods are often crucial for industry-specific references for your ever-growing CV. 

6. The Stress 

The Problem: Exams, constant deadlines and the looming end of the year have caused many postgraduate sleepless nights before you. This sort of stress can trigger health problems such as lack of sleep, weight gain and even cardiovascular issues. 

The Solution: Don’t forget that university, like life, has a balance that must be struck. Ensure you carve out some downtime in your schedule for hobbies and friends, as it’s these little periods that will help you blow off steam. University is first and foremost a formative experience, and your postgraduate year is no different.

Go to: See Six Ways to Deal with Postgraduate Stress

Next: Read more postgraduate life advice