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GradIRL: Grad In Real Life.Today's thought: You do not need to have everything figured out.Today's thought: Your first job is a step, not a life sentence.Today's thought: Small money habits can create real breathing room.Today's thought: Progress counts, even when it feels slow.Today's thought: Asking for help is a strength.
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Articles

Advice and support on jobs, money and wellbeing — written for graduates, by people who have been there.

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wellbeing

Who Am I If I’m Not a Student?

A personal reflection on the transition from university to adulthood, sharing my experiences after graduation and the lessons I've learned to reassure graduates who may feel uncertain about what comes next.

finance

Surviving Your First Year Post-Uni in a High-Cost City

A practical budgeting guide for recent graduates, breaking down what it really costs to live in places like London and other expensive UK cities, and offering realistic tips for managing rent, bills, food, transport and everyday life after university.

finance

Student Loan Repayment in England: What Changes? What Stays?

Student loan repayment in England changed in April 2026 with the first Plan 5 borrowers entering repayment. Whether you are on Plan 2 or Plan 5, the mechanics are the same, but the thresholds, interest rates and write-off periods differ. This guide explains everything you need to know, without the jargon or the panic.

wellbeing

Job Search Burnout: Rest Without Feeling Like You’re Giving Up

A practical, reassuring guide for graduates who feel drained by constant applications, helping them spot burnout, set boundaries and build rest into the search without guilt.

jobs

The 2026 graduate job market: What's really happening and how to adapt

The graduate job market has cooled, but it's not the story some headlines suggest. Here's what the latest data actually says and practical steps to find your footing in 2026.

jobs

Use AI tools in your job search without losing your voice

AI is now a normal part of the graduate job hunt. Here is how to use it wisely in your applications while keeping your authentic voice front and centre. category: jobs