Leaving university and entering the real world of industry can be both exciting and daunting. That's why we continue to support our graduates in the next phase of their lives and careers.

The information contained here will give you practical tips and useful advice on making the transition to life after university. You'll find career and postgraduate study support alongside 'need to know' information designed to make leaving university as seamless as possible.

Your studies and wider experience have already equipped you with the skills and knowledge you need to forge your way in the creative industries. And, when your self-assurance wavers, Falmouth will always be here for you. Support from our employability team is available to graduates for life. Our alumni network is also a lifeline for those looking for a new community of creatives after graduation.

Top tips for all graduates:

• Make the most of university facilities and Cornwall before you leave
• Keep in touch with tutors and coursemates and work on your social media profile
• Take your time - give yourself space to learn and adapt

Health & wellbeing

If you've been receiving support from our Counselling, Health and Wellbeing team, please discuss your future support requirements with your Counsellor or Wellbeing Practitioner as they can liaise with your doctor if required. You can continue to access our self-help resources relating to emotional and physical health while you have access to the intranet. Also, as a graduate, please be aware that depending on where you live, you may need to register with a new General Practitioner (GP).

Student loans 

In your final year 

• If you have received less Maintenance Loan this year, this is because you cease being a student on 28 May 2021. 
• If you think you’re getting the wrong amount of loan you need to request a change as soon as possible.  Any reassessments will need to be completed by May.​
• Your final loan instalment should be paid to you on 12 April.

Repayments – HOW

• Student Finance will start to consider your income from the April after you graduate. As such; you should not see any repayments leaving your wages prior to this point.​
• Starting work for an employer?  You’ll probably be taxed via “pay as you earn” (PAYE) which will also automatically calculate any loan repayments due.
• Self employed?  You’ll need to do your own tax return once the tax year has finished. This process will also calculate the amount you need to repay for the given tax year.​
• Going abroad?  You’ll need to complete an ‘overseas income assessment form’ if you’re planning on leaving the UK for more than 3 months.​
• Advanced Learner Loan?  This may be cancelled if your previous course was classed as an ‘Access to HE course’.​

Student loan repayments – WHEN?

• From the April after you graduate you’ll be liable for loan repayment if you earn more than the threshold in any ‘pay period’.  This is, before tax:​
  • £511 per week, if paid weekly, or​
  • £2,214 per month, if paid monthly, or​
  • £25,000 per year, if self-employed​
  • Whilst you earn less than this; you won’t make repayments.  ​
• The above thresholds are reviewed in April each year and may change in line with average earnings.​
• Normally any outstanding loan will be written off 30 years after it becomes eligible to be repaid.

 Repayments may work differently if you’re from Scotland, Wales or NI.

 Finance after graduation 

• You will cease to be a student when the summer term ends on the 28 May 2021.​
• After this point you will be expected to either find paid employment or access benefit support via Jobcentre Plus.​
• The property you consider your ‘main residence’ will be liable for council tax from 31 May – even if you intend to start postgraduate studies in September 2021.  This will include houses considered as a ‘student house’.​
• If you have extensions for work beyond 28 May you may be exempt from council tax for this period.  Please see the Students' Union for advice on how to demonstrate this to Cornwall Council.​
• Postgraduate study?  A Postgraduate Masters Loan is available.

Accommodation 

• Leave your accommodation as it was when you moved in 
• Pay any outstanding rent and bills 
• Transfer or cancel any services, such as wifi, that you may have set up 
• Update your address with your bank, subscriptions, GP and anyone else that sends you post
• Make sure to discuss the return of your deposit with you landlord or letting agent 
• Ask your landlord​ for a reference
• Remember, as a graduate you are now liable to pay council tax 

For further advice, contact:​

• Accommodation Office
• Citizen’s Advice​
• Shelter​

Wellbeing 

• Make sure you’re registered with a GP local to where you are going to live. Your current GP will hand over all your medical records to the receiving practice.​
• Keep taking any medication prescribed for mental health until informed not to by a GP or registered Mental Health Professional.​
• Ensure you have a prescription that covers the transitional period.
• If you are receiving support from local mental health services and will need ongoing support, tell them about your move and they’ll provide a discharge summary to your new area.
• If you are concerned about yourself, a fellow student or friend – tell someone. 

Before you leave… 

• Pay any library fines or course materials debts​
• Return hired course equipment or library books and recover any deposits you’ve paid​
• Collect personal items or course work you’ve stored at the University​
• Clear studio spaces or lockers and check with tutors where to dispose of rubbish​
• Get contact details for your tutors and course mates
• Make the most of Falmouth University’s world-class facilities before you leave. 

​If there’s something you’re not sure of go to The Compass online or in-person and the friendly team will point you in the right direction:  

E: studentservices@fxplus.ac.uk​

T: 01326 370460

W: fxplus.ac.uk/student-support/the-compass/