The pomp and circumstance is all over: Your exams are finished, graduation cap tossed and di- ploma received. Now what? It isn’t your birthday but you sure do feel like you deserve some icing on the cake for four years of all-nighters, final projects and maybe even one too many trips to The Keg (may it rest in peace).
So you graduated. What’s the best way to thank yourself?
Digital SLR camera
It’s starting to feel like filtering pictures is becoming a little cliche. Ease off Instagramming and try capturing your post-grad memories with a real camera.
NU license plate frame and static cling
Yup, that’s right—you’re a proud alum. Your Wildcat pride is ride or die! Now to save up for a car...
Apply for a credit card
You're in debt because of student loans, but a credit card could change the game. Or at least buy you some time before your grace period is over.
Personal checks
Debit cards are practical, but they don’t work in all cases. You’ll spare yourself an online payment fee for future rent checks (that you hopefully won’t be paying to your parents).
Computer
You know you’ve secretly wanted to ditch your Dell for a sleek MacBook for a while now. You deserve it, or at least you’ve conned yourself into thinking you do.
Haircut
Who said looking for a job can’t be a stylish endeavor? A fancy new ‘do could be just the edge you need to kick your job search into high gear.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening may have been put on the back burner in high school after your parents realized how much college was going to cost. Add some shine to your post-grad days with a bleaching, because your smile should be as bright as your future.
Tablet
Gone are the days of lugging around textbooks. Say hello to high tech with an iPad or Kindle. Read your leisure books on the go, or play your favorite games guilt-free now that you won’t be in class.
Pet
Sadly, pet-friendly dorms never became a reality during your college career. Why not reward yourself with a small companion, like a dog, cat or Siberian weasel? They might not be as rowdy or smelly as the frat boys next door, but they’ll definitely keep you company.
Website domain
Your sigh of relief doesn’t have to end when you confirm your name is spelled properly on your diploma. Take it a step further and make sure that sigh doesn’t turn into a gasp after a quick Google search reveals a website owned by a porn star who just so happens to have the same name as you. Purchasing your name’s website domain is easy and, if you do it right, cheap.
Mini vacay
The Drake has always looked like an amazing place to stay—why not have your very own staycation in the city? Book a couple of nights in a Chicago hotel and spend your days exploring the neighborhoods and cute restaurants you’ve always wanted to dine at but never had the time.
Cruise
It’s time to book a sea-bound getaway that will go down in history—not stranded, Carnival Cruise-style. Try booking through a drama-free cruise line (free of plumbing and power issues) with some of your best friends.