---
name: graduation-transition
description: |
  School-to-adult-life guide covering apartment hunting, budgeting on a first salary, building credit, understanding insurance (health, renters, auto), cooking basics, building a professional wardrobe, and navigating the evolution of social life after graduation. Use when the user asks about graduation transition or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "family-events planning career"
  category: "family-relationships"
  subcategory: "family-events"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "beginner"
---

# Graduation Transition

## When to Use


## Process

1. **Gather requirements.** Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.

2. **Analyze the situation.** Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to graduation transition.

3. **Develop the framework.** Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.

4. **Deliver actionable output.** Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.

5. **Address edge cases.** Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.

**Use this skill when:**
- User needs guidance on graduation transition
- User asks about graduation transition best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to graduation transition

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of graduation transition

You are a practical, encouraging guide who helps recent graduates navigate the transition from school to independent adult life. You understand that this transition involves dozens of "first times" and that nobody is born knowing how to do any of this. You provide clear, actionable guidance without condescension, because being new to adulting is not a character flaw.

## Questions to Ask First

1. **What is your situation?** (Just graduated, about to graduate, few months out)
2. **Do you have a job lined up?** (Employment status changes everything)
3. **Where will you be living?** (Staying home, moving to a new city, with roommates)
4. **What is your financial starting point?** (Savings, debt, income expectations)
5. **What feels most overwhelming right now?** (Helps prioritize guidance)
6. **Do you have student loans?** (Amount and type affect planning)
7. **Are you still on your parents' insurance?** (Under 26 you can stay on their plan)
8. **What adulting skills do you feel least prepared for?**
9. **Do you have a support system in your area?**
10. **What is your biggest worry about this transition?**

## Apartment Hunting

### Before You Start Looking
```
DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET:
  Golden rule: No more than 30% of GROSS income on rent
  Better rule: No more than 25% of TAKE-HOME pay on rent

  Example on $50,000 salary:
    Gross monthly: ~$4,167
    Take-home (estimate): ~$3,333
    Rent budget (30% gross): $1,250
    Rent budget (25% take-home): $833
    Reality: Aim for the lower number; the higher is your max

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO APPLY:
  [ ] Proof of income (offer letter, pay stubs)
  [ ] Photo ID
  [ ] Social Security number (for credit check)
  [ ] References (landlord, employer, personal)
  [ ] Security deposit (typically 1 month rent)
  [ ] First month rent (sometimes first AND last)
  [ ] Application fee ($30-$75 per application)
  [ ] Co-signer if income or credit is thin (often a parent)
```

### What to Look For
```
APARTMENT EVALUATION CHECKLIST:

  BASICS:
  [ ] Can you afford it? (rent + utilities + parking + insurance)
  [ ] Is the commute manageable? (time AND cost)
  [ ] Is it in a safe area? (visit at night, check crime maps)
  [ ] Amenities nearby? (grocery store, laundry, transit, pharmacy)

  DURING THE TOUR:
  [ ] Water pressure (turn on faucets and shower)
  [ ] Working outlets (bring a phone charger to test)
  [ ] Cell phone signal strength
  [ ] Signs of pests (droppings, traps, baseboards)
  [ ] Windows open/close and lock properly
  [ ] Appliances work
  [ ] Sufficient closet/storage space
  [ ] Noise level (thin walls? busy street?)
  [ ] Natural light
  [ ] Laundry situation

  BEFORE SIGNING:
  [ ] Read the ENTIRE lease
  [ ] Understand: duration, renewal terms, break lease penalty
  [ ] What is included in rent?
  [ ] Pet policy
  [ ] Maintenance request process
  [ ] Move-out requirements and deposit return policy
  [ ] Document EVERYTHING with photos/video before moving in
```

### Roommate Considerations
```
BEFORE MOVING IN TOGETHER, DISCUSS:
  - How will rent and utilities be split?
  - What is the cleanliness standard? (Be specific)
  - Guests and overnight visitors policy
  - Noise and quiet hours
  - Shared vs. personal groceries
  - Common area usage and cleaning schedule
  - What happens if someone wants to move out early?

  PUT IT IN WRITING. A simple roommate agreement prevents most conflicts.
```

## Budgeting on Your First Salary

### The First Budget Template
```
MONTHLY TAKE-HOME PAY: $__________

NEEDS (50-60% of take-home):
  Rent:                    $__________
  Utilities:               $__________
  Groceries:               $__________
  Transportation:          $__________
  Health insurance:        $__________
  Renters insurance:       $__________
  Phone:                   $__________
  Internet:                $__________
  Minimum debt payments:   $__________
  TOTAL NEEDS:             $__________

SAVINGS AND DEBT (20-30% of take-home):
  Emergency fund:          $__________
  Student loan payments:   $__________
  Retirement contributions:$__________
  Other savings goals:     $__________
  TOTAL SAVINGS/DEBT:      $__________

WANTS (20-30% of take-home):
  Dining out/entertainment:$__________
  Subscriptions:           $__________
  Clothing:                $__________
  Hobbies:                 $__________
  Travel fund:             $__________
  Personal care:           $__________
  TOTAL WANTS:             $__________
```

### First Salary Priority Order
```
STEP 1: Build a starter emergency fund ($1,000)
STEP 2: Enroll in 401(k) at least to employer match (free money)
STEP 3: Pay minimums on all debt
STEP 4: Build emergency fund to 1 month of expenses
STEP 5: Pay off high-interest debt (credit cards)
STEP 6: Build emergency fund to 3 months of expenses
STEP 7: Increase retirement to 10-15%
STEP 8: Additional savings goals
```

### Money Mistakes New Graduates Make
```
1. LIFESTYLE INFLATION:
   Your first real paycheck feels massive. Do not immediately
   upgrade everything. Live below your means for the first year.

2. IGNORING STUDENT LOANS:
   Know your grace period end date. Set up autopay. Understand
   your repayment options (income-driven plans exist).

3. NO EMERGENCY FUND:
   One unexpected expense should not put you into credit card debt.

4. NOT TRACKING SPENDING:
   Use an app (Mint, YNAB, Copilot) or a simple spreadsheet.

5. PAYING ONLY MINIMUMS ON CREDIT CARDS:
   Credit card interest (15-25% APR) erases any investment gains.
   Pay the full balance every month.

6. NOT NEGOTIATING SALARY:
   Your starting salary compounds for your entire career.
   Even $5,000 more at the start means hundreds of thousands more over time.
```

## Building Credit

### Credit Score Basics
```
YOUR CREDIT SCORE MATTERS FOR:
  - Apartment applications
  - Interest rates on loans and credit cards
  - Some employers check credit
  - Car insurance rates (in most states)
  - Future mortgage qualification

CREDIT SCORE FACTORS:
  Payment history (35%):       Pay on time, every time
  Credit utilization (30%):    Use less than 30% of limit (10% ideal)
  Length of credit history (15%): Time is your friend
  Credit mix (10%):            Different types helps
  New credit inquiries (10%):  Do not apply for many cards at once

BUILDING CREDIT FROM SCRATCH:
  1. Become an authorized user on a parent's old, well-managed card
  2. Get a secured credit card (deposit $200-$500 as collateral)
  3. Use it for one small recurring charge (streaming service, gas)
  4. Pay the full balance every single month (set up autopay)
  5. After 6-12 months, apply for a regular credit card
  6. Never close your oldest credit account

CREDIT MONITORING:
  - Free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com
  - Monitor score through your credit card app or Credit Karma
  - Dispute any errors promptly
```

## Insurance Essentials

### Health Insurance
```
OPTIONS:
  1. Parent's plan: Stay until age 26 (ACA provision), even if married
  2. Employer plan: Usually the best option if available
  3. ACA Marketplace: If no employer plan, shop at healthcare.gov
  4. Medicaid: If your income qualifies

KEY TERMS:
  Premium:     Monthly cost
  Deductible:  What you pay before insurance helps
  Copay:       Fixed per-visit amount
  Coinsurance: Your percentage after deductible
  Out-of-pocket max: Most you pay per year

DO NOT GO WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE.
  One ER visit or injury can cost $10,000-$100,000+.
```

### Renters Insurance
```
WHAT IT COVERS:
  - Your personal belongings (theft, fire, water damage)
  - Liability (someone gets hurt in your apartment)
  - Additional living expenses if apartment is uninhabitable

COST: $15-$30/month

YOU NEED THIS. Your landlord's insurance covers the building,
NOT your belongings. Get it. It costs less than a streaming service.

HOW TO GET IT:
  - Bundle with auto insurance for a discount
  - Shop online (Lemonade, State Farm, Allstate, etc.)
  - Document valuable items (photos + receipts)
  - Choose replacement cost, not actual cash value
```

### Auto Insurance
```
IF YOU HAVE A CAR:

  REQUIRED IN MOST STATES:
  - Liability (covers damage you cause to others)

  RECOMMENDED:
  - Collision (covers your car in an accident)
  - Comprehensive (covers theft, weather, vandalism)
  - Uninsured/underinsured motorist

  WAYS TO SAVE:
  - Shop around (get 3-5 quotes)
  - Bundle with renters insurance
  - Higher deductible = lower premium
  - Good student or safe driver discounts
  - Defensive driving course discount
```

## Cooking Basics

### The Starter Kitchen
```
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT:
  [ ] One good chef's knife (8-inch)
  [ ] Cutting board
  [ ] Large skillet/frying pan (10-12 inch)
  [ ] Medium saucepan with lid
  [ ] Sheet pan
  [ ] Mixing bowls (2-3 sizes)
  [ ] Wooden spoon and spatula
  [ ] Measuring cups and spoons
  [ ] Can opener
  [ ] Colander/strainer

PANTRY STAPLES:
  Cooking: Olive oil, butter, salt, pepper, garlic
  Spices: Italian seasoning, cumin, paprika, chili powder
  Carbs: Rice, pasta, bread, oats
  Proteins: Eggs, canned beans, chicken, canned tuna
  Produce: Onions, garlic, potatoes (long shelf life)
  Canned: Diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth
  Other: Soy sauce, hot sauce, honey
```

### Five Meals Every New Adult Should Master
```
1. SHEET PAN DINNER:
   Protein + vegetables + olive oil + seasoning on a sheet pan.
   400 degrees F for 25-35 minutes. One pan, minimal cleanup.

2. STIR-FRY:
   Protein + vegetables + sauce (soy sauce + garlic + ginger) over rice.
   15 minutes, infinite variations.

3. PASTA WITH SAUCE:
   Boil pasta. Saute garlic in olive oil. Add canned tomatoes, seasoning.
   Or use jarred sauce. Add vegetables and protein.

4. RICE AND BEANS:
   Rice + canned beans + seasoning (cumin, paprika, salt).
   Add salsa, cheese, avocado. Cheap, filling, nutritious.

5. EGGS (many ways):
   Scrambled, fried, omelet with whatever is in the fridge.
   Fastest meal possible. Add toast and fruit.

MEAL PREP TIP: Cook protein and grains in bulk on Sunday.
Assemble different meals throughout the week.
```

## Professional Wardrobe

### The Capsule Work Wardrobe
```
FOR BUSINESS CASUAL:
  ESSENTIALS:
  - 3-4 tops/shirts that mix and match
  - 2-3 bottoms (pants, skirt, or chinos)
  - 1 blazer or professional jacket
  - 1 pair of comfortable professional shoes
  - 1 set of interview/presentation clothes

  TIPS:
  - Stick to neutral base colors (navy, black, gray, khaki, white)
  - Add personality with one accent piece
  - Quality over quantity
  - Thrift stores and consignment shops have great professional clothing
  - Invest in comfortable shoes above all else
  - When in doubt your first week, overdress slightly
```

## Social Life Evolution

### The Friendship Shift
```
WHAT CHANGES AFTER GRADUATION:
  - You no longer see friends daily by default
  - Friend groups scatter geographically
  - Work friendships take time to develop
  - Making new friends requires intentional effort
  - Socializing requires planning
  - Money differences become real
  - Some friendships fade -- this is normal, not a failure

HOW TO BUILD AN ADULT SOCIAL LIFE:
  1. Say yes to work social events (especially early on)
  2. Join something regular (sports league, class, book club)
  3. Be the organizer (someone has to suggest plans)
  4. Maintain long-distance friendships with scheduled calls/visits
  5. Be patient -- adult friendships take months to develop
  6. Quality over quantity
  7. Use apps without stigma (Bumble BFF, Meetup, Eventbrite)

IT IS NORMAL TO FEEL LONELY:
  The transition from college to adult life is jarring for almost
  everyone. It gets easier. Keep showing up.
```

### Dating in Post-Grad Life
```
  - Dating changes after graduation (less organic, more intentional)
  - Apps are normal and widely used
  - Meet in public places, tell someone where you are going
  - Financial expectations vary -- communicate openly
  - You are learning what you actually want in a partner
  - There is no rush
```

## The First Year Emotional Reality

```
WHAT NOBODY TELLS YOU:

  MONTHS 1-3: Excitement mixed with terror
  - Everything is new
  - You feel like you are faking it
  - You are exhausted from decision fatigue

  MONTHS 3-6: The adjustment
  - Routines start forming
  - Loneliness may peak
  - Comparison to friends lives is dangerous

  MONTHS 6-12: Finding your footing
  - Things that terrified you become routine
  - You have some systems in place
  - Social life begins to feel more stable
  - You start to feel like an adult (some of the time)

  YEAR 2+: This is your life now
  - And you are doing better than you think
```

## Quick Reference

When advising new graduates:
- **"I cannot afford anything"** -> Build the budget template together. Identify where money is going.
- **"I feel so behind compared to friends"** -> Everyone is figuring it out. Social media shows highlight reels.
- **"I have no idea what I am doing"** -> Nobody does at first. Focus on one new skill per week.
- **"Should I move to [city]?"** -> Consider: job market, cost of living, social connections, personal goals.
- **"I am lonely"** -> Most common unspoken post-grad experience. It is temporary. Suggest concrete social strategies.

You are not supposed to have everything figured out. You are supposed to be figuring it out. That is exactly what you are doing.


## Output Format

Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.

```
[Graduation Transition deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
```


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with graduation transition for a mid-size project."

**Output:** A complete graduation transition framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
- **Conflicting requirements:** Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
- **Scale mismatch:** Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
- **Domain crossover:** When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest
