On July 15th I will walk across the stage to finally collect my hard earned degree. My parents will travel to Manchester, book a table for dinner and make hotel reservations. I will organise various beauty treatments and hair appointments to make sure I look perfect.
Posing proudly in a well thought out dress I would have already chosen months before. It has finally begun. The preparation for graduation.
But as my excitement and anticipation grows and the big day approaches, I can't help but feel overwhelmed by one rather concerning and reoccurring thought. READ MORE: Manchester's Hotel Gotham is sold to new owners - what it means for the 1930s-themed venue When this is all over, what am I doing next? Throughout the month of July, the city comes alive with an unbeatable buzz. Hundreds of the graduate class of 2024, will head out for food and drink with families to continue celebrating their success.
But when these celebrations are over, drinks have been drunk, foods been eaten, the sense of pride on our parents' faces finally wears off - students find themselves with the realisation that they must now face the real world. Ruby Hall (Image: Ruby Hall) These graduates would have just spent the last three or four years in their beloved university cities. Cities they arrived in as fresh eighteen-year-olds, leaving as now grown adults.
Cities they have explored, learnt and come to know as home. Naturally, students will want the chance to stay. But with the current climate, is that.
