You’ve aced your final exams, accepted your diploma with pride, and tossed your mortarboard in the air with the rest of your class. But even as the graduation gifts start rolling in, you can’t ignore the mounting anxiety you’ve started to feel. College is over, and the rest of your life is staring you in the face. Don’t panic just yet! Take some deep breaths, and read through our list of tips designed to help you prepare for life post-college.

Take Time to Reflect

Before you jump headfirst into the real world, take some time to look back on the last four years of your life. You just earned a college degree, and that’s no small accomplishment. Neither is leaving the safety of your childhood home, parting ways with your high school social circle, and moving into a dormitory with a bunch of strangers. You’ve transitioned from adolescence to adulthood. Make a point to enjoy your last “summer vacation,” and take a personal inventory of the lessons learned and memories made during your college career.

Start Planning for Bigger Expenses

We know you’ve barely just begun your job search. But developing smart spending and saving habits now will pay off (literally!) down the line. Start putting a little money aside every week, even if it’s only the loose change at the bottom of your wallet. Once you’ve settled into a job, you’ll start planning for bigger and better things. Sure, public transportation is working out for now, but eventually you’re going to want a car to haul groceries, drive clients to business meetings, or to head out of town on a quick weekend getaway with your friends. If you’ve started a savings account, you’ll find your ready to start shopping for the car of your dreams in no time! fiat dealership Los Angeles has tons of fun, affordable cars that are perfect for post-grads. Be sure to check out the models listed at OC Fiat once you start your search.

Make a schedule

You only pulled yourself out of bed every morning throughout college by knowing that you had to be halfway across campus at a certain time. It’s tough to find the motivation to meet deadlines, but having a schedule can help out big time. From paying your utility bills before their due date, to factoring in some much needed socializing to help you blow off steam during your job search, put together a schedule and stick to it! Getting organized for your new routine will help you settle into life outside of the dorm room. You might roll your eyes at the thought of an itinerary now, but you’ll thank us later.

Live in the Moment

Remember that although you’re trying to lay a solid foundation for your future now that you’re a college graduate, you’re only young once. Embrace this exciting new chapter in your life. Wherever the road ahead may lead you, go forward with the knowledge that every day is a new adventure!