SALT LAKE CITY — It’s almost time to don your graduation gown, turn your tassel from right to left, and throw your cap up in the air.

While the idea of graduating is exciting, actually getting to that day can be stressful. Here are five ways you can streamline the process to make sure your transition to the next phase of life is seamless.

1. Clean up your social media accounts

It may seem silly that this is number one on the list, but it’s of vital importance that you clean up your social media accounts before starting post-graduation life. Whether you are headed for further education or professional employment, key decision makers will browse through your social media sites to make sure you are an upstanding citizen.

Cleaning up your social media sites includes removing any posts with profanity, spelling and grammar issues, or references to illicit drug use. This is also a great opportunity to make sure your profiles are updated.

For example, if you are seeking entrance into a particular program or internship, beefing up your LinkedIn account with recent work experience and padding your Twitter bio with industry-specific buzzwords are great places to start.

2. Set up your apartment in advance

If your post-graduation plans will take you to a new part of town, do yourself a favor and begin preparing for the move ahead of time.

Start with the basics. Purchase things like laundry baskets, cleaning supplies, toiletry storage bins, clothes hangers and shoe organizers. The more organized you can get before you move, the more comfortable you will feel.

Once you’ve taken care of the physical essentials, it’s time to tackle connectivity and services. Before you move in, make sure you’ve done the following:

• Check out city websites for utility company information.
• Use a How Much Speed Do I Need tool to narrow down your internet plan search.
• Pick a TV plan—or streaming service—that gives you your favorite channels.
• Scope out crime in the area and look into security systems if needed.

Related:

4 social media tips for recent grads, job hopefuls

The end of fall semester is upon us and that means many of you lucky students are preparing to graduate. Although you probably won’t walk in your graduation ceremony until spring, the end of fall semester will mark your official graduation from your studies.

3. Do your favorite things one last time

One of the most difficult things about graduation is moving in a different direction from some of your closest pals. You won’t get this time back, so make the most of it.

If you have a favorite place to eat, make a reservation with your friends and go chow down together one last time. Or, if the party scene is more your style, book a popular club to throw a farewell party with all your favorite people.

No matter what your interests, make a deliberate effort to soak in a few final meaningful experiences. Saying a proper goodbye to your old haunts will help you move smoothly from one phase of life to the next.

4. Volunteer for an important cause

Another way to prepare for any big life change is to volunteer for an important cause. Volunteering will help you build your resume, and it could help you get started down the path to a permanent career.

For example, if your end goal is to go to medical school and become a doctor, now is a great time to start volunteering in a hospital. This will provide great resume padding and also help you decide if the commitment to medical school is really what you want to do.

Volunteering helps you get involved with your local community and look beyond your own current worries. No matter what your passion is — be it medicine, law enforcement, the arts, teaching, or something else entirely — there are endless volunteer opportunities that can help you make a real difference.

5. Plan a vacation

Gearing up for graduation takes hard work. You’re probably cramming for finals, preparing applications, or searching for new jobs. No matter what your next step is, getting there will take a lot of effort and brainpower.

To combat this stress, reward yourself with a post-graduation vacation before you start your next venture. Pack up some camping essentials and hit the road. Or maybe you prefer a little pampering? Then plan a quaint staycation close to home. You’re about to start a new era that will require a lot of dedication, so have a little fun before getting back to work.

If one thing’s for certain, it’s that change can be nerve-racking. But if you prepare for the tougher aspects of the transition, you’ll hit the ground running and be ready to tackle the next adventure.

Brooke Nally is native to Utah but likes to see other parts of the world as often as she can. You can contact her at brookelynnally@gmail.com.

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