Are students really ready for life after graduation?

University is supposed to be the big step into adulthood, right? The independence, the late-night study sessions (and accompanying takeaways), and the friendships you’ll carry forever. 

But when it comes to life after uni? According to our research, a lot of students don’t feel ready for what’s waiting…

Our latest research has revealed one in five students globally say their university experience left them feeling unprepared for real life after graduation.

So, what’s going on? Why are so many students stepping off campus without the confidence, skills, or support to take on the world of work? And what are we doing to help?

Worth the debt… but not the direction

Let’s get this straight - students still see value in going to uni. 74% think university is “worth the debt” for the life experience alone, with almost three in five (58%) saying it’s a transformative period of personal growth and independence.

But when it comes to preparing for careers? Nearly one in five (17%) say their degree isn’t giving them the confidence or skills to step into the workplace. That gap between what students are promised, and what they actually get, is leaving many feeling lost.

And with 43% of students expecting to graduate with debts of up to £250k, it’s no surprise they want a clearer return on investment.

The ‘graduate ghosting’ outbreak

For students, breaking into the job market is tougher than ever. And, it looks like there isn’t just one simple problem to be solved. Our survey revealed student’s biggest complaints whilst grad-job searching were:

• Competition for jobs (59%)
• Lack of relevant work experience (54%)
• Applications being ignored (37%)

In fact, the last one has even earned its own name: ‘graduate ghosting’ - when employers simply don’t respond to applications. More than a third (35%) of students don’t hear back from at least half of their job applications, while one in 12 are ‘ghosted’ by as many as 80% of employers.

No feedback, no closure, no direction – chipping away at confidence and making the working world feel even more out of reach. So, it’s no surprise that 77% of students globally - and 80% in the UK - worry about entering the workforce. But what are students doing about it?

Eight in 10 plan to study more, just to stand out

With a bachelor’s degree no longer seen as a one-way ticket to a grad job, students are instead doubling down on education. Four in five (80%) are considering postgraduate study, with the most common reasons being:

• “to strengthen my skills and CV” (48%)
• “to gain additional qualifications” (44%)

But, despite the stress, ambition stays high. Many still expect to land starting salaries between £20,000 - £40,000, showing students remain optimistic - even with the odds stacked against them.

But, are universities pulling their weight?

Here’s where things get messy. More than half of UK students (54%) believe their university isn’t doing enough to prepare them for life after graduation, and almost one in six (17%) feel universities care more about academic results than career prospects.

According to the research, work experience - one of the biggest confidence boosters when job hunting - is where students report feeling most unsupported. A huge 95% say they’re missing out on relevant development opportunities, and one in ten even blame universities for lacking the expertise to provide proper careers support.

So, what needs to change to prepare students for life after university?

At Yugo, we believe career readiness should be a shared responsibility - between universities, businesses and organisations. Because while students can’t change the realities of the job market, they can be better prepared for it.

That’s why our Live Your Best Life programme is designed to help students build the confidence, skills and resilience they need alongside their studies. From personal development to career prep, we’re here to help students become the best version of themselves - and ready for life beyond the campus.

Because a degree should give you more than just knowledge - it should give you the tools, confidence, and resilience to step into the future.

Ready to take the first step? Check out the top 10 life skills students wish they’d learned before graduation. Or, want to read more on the benefits of the university experience? Check out our blog on  ‘the hidden curriculum ’.