Resources for Life After Grad School

Congrats!

You’re almost done—or maybe you’ve just finished—your graduate program.

This is an exciting time full of possibilities! Whether you’re aiming to stay in academia, explore a postdoc, jump into the industry, or figuring things out as you go, the transition can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to consider, but we’re here to help.

Check out this page for support, tools and resources designed to help you navigate this transition. Plus, discover some perks and benefits you can enjoy as a U of T alum.

Discover alumni perks and benefits

Access exclusive benefits, discounts, and learning opportunities. Stay connected to U of T and make the most of what’s available to you!

Access Career Exploration & Education for up to two years after completing your graduate program.

Explore a database of full-time job listings, get advice on career planning, and learn how to ace interviews or craft standout CVs and cover letters.

Get discounted personal insurance coverage for your protection.

Secure life, auto, and home insurance through the university at preferred rates once you leave grad school.

Stay active with alumni Sport & Rec memberships.

Keep your body and mind strong after you finish your program. Access the Athletic Centre, Varsity Centre and Goldring Centre with discounted alumni memberships. Enjoy strength training, fitness classes, swimming pools, indoor tracks and more!

Read on with an alumni library card.

Keep expanding your knowledge. Get an alumni library card to continue accessing the wealth of resources from U of T Libraries.

Enjoy discounts on retail and leisure.

Save on theatre, museums, car rentals, sporting events and more.

Access Off-Campus Housing listings for up to two years after graduating.

Use the Off-Campus Housing Finder to look for a new place to live in Toronto or the GTA and explore other resources on living off campus.

Build your social network

Connect with grad school friends, faculty and colleagues worldwide. Stay in touch, discover what your peers are doing or network for career growth through events, mentorship programs and more.

Explore the Mentorship Database to find a mentor or become one.

Find a mentor to help you reach your career goals or offer your guidance to someone else. Check out the Mentorship Database for opportunities.

Join the U of T Hub on Ten Thousand Coffees to network online with alumni professionals and students.

Use this free, online networking tool to connect with more than 12,000 alumni professionals and students to get and give career advice.

Attend alumni events after graduation that offer both social and learning opportunities. Check your U of T alum email for invitations and stay connected!

Check out more resources from the U of T Alumni website to help you build your network:

Find healthcare services

Health & Wellness services are no longer available to you after graduation. Health and Wellness is still here to help connect you to new supports. Check out their supports for graduating students.

The Health & Wellness page for graduating students explains:

  • how to find a family doctor in the community for domestic students
  • how to access a walk-in clinic if you don’t have a family doctor
  • how to extend your extended coverage through the Graduate Students’ Union
  • health care supports and how to extend UHIP for international students

Manage your finances

Work towards your financial goals like paying off student debt and buying a home. Check out some resources to help you get started.

Manage debt, credit and borrowing.

Explore strategies and resources for understanding credit and loans and paying off debt over time.

Explore budgeting and saving tips.

Find simple and easy ways you can save money and be financially savvy.

Other resources: Groupon

Attend a Buying a Home workshop.

Check out the Buying a Home workshop to learn about the costs of owning a home and get expert tips on making your dream home a reality.

Understand and manage emotional changes

Leaving grad school can feel like a big shift in your identity, especially if you’re not staying in academia. It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions, like sadness, when you’ve spent years in an environment full of intellectual stimulation and structure. If you’ve identified as a grad student for the past few years, letting go of that can be tough. This feeling, often called “graduation grief” is common, but there are ways to handle it with care and kindness.

Check out these resources for strategies and support:

Moving after grad school can take time, and it’s normal to need a bit of adjustment. With some research and the right mindset, you’ll find your way. Settling into a new place may be challenging at first, but it can also be a fresh start and a chance to grow.

Reflect on moving to a new place and adjusting after grad school.