This is not the true story of seven strangers picked to live in a house and have their lives taped, to find out what happens when people stop being polite and start getting real.
The real real world doesn't allow for most hip college graduates to live in multi-million dollar pads. There is less hot tub threesomes and more bill collectors and frozen pizzas.
But for some recent University at Buffalo graduates the real world is a fine mix of responsibility and fun. College life is a distant memory.
While some may choose to get a job directly following graduation, others head to graduate school or decide to take some time off.
Different people have different plans, but one thing all graduates have in common is the way in which their lives have changed post-college.
Derrick Hutton, who graduated in May 2005, said that his current nine-to-five job is a wake up call compared to his old habits.
"I have to get up early now and it is a big problem. I used to leisurely wake up at 11 or 12," he said. "I'd hang out with friends and get drunk. Now, drinking is usually reserved for the weekends."
Hutton graduated from the School of Management with a concentration in Human Resources, and now works for NCO Financial Systems Inc. in Getzville, where he is a corporate employee-relations assistant. Hutton feels successful, but his sentiments on the real world may leave some pining to stay in school as long as they can.
"The real world sucks. I'll get promotions at work, but it will still be the same thing," he said.
Hutton lives in downtown Buffalo, where he moved upon graduation. He remembers when he first realized life wasn't going to be the same as it was in college.
"My parents began forwarding my bills," said Hutton. "And I almost cried."
Despite the difficulties of adjusting to a new way of life, Hutton loves his job. He may not be living in a large penthouse apartment, or have a case of Crystal in his cellar, but he said his job is satisfying in its own way.
"The most rewarding thing is when I go to meetings and co-workers ask for my input. It's a good feeling when people care what you think," he said.
Julie Milewski agreed. Milewski, headed straight to graduate school after earning her Bachelor's degree at UB in psychology. She decided to stay in Buffalo, and in June she completed her Master's degree in sociology. Milewski packed up her hopes and dreams so that she could work in Manhattan.
"I was looking for jobs," she said. "But I ended up being recruited by a headhunter for the company I currently work for."
She currently lives in Hoboken, NJ and commutes into the city. Like Hutton, Milewski agrees that the real world is harder than college life.
"It is more demanding both mentally and physically. I never realized what it was like to be financially independent" said Milewski.
With her time-consuming career, Milewski often doesn't get out of work until 7 p.m. on some nights. Milewski is only one of many students who chose to attend graduate school directly after receiving an undergraduate degree.
According to Dr. Dan Ryan, director of career services, in the class of 2003, about 40 percent of students went on to graduate or professional school. Forty percent found jobs within one month of graduation and 60 percent found jobs within six.
Ryan said that in many cases going to graduate school pays off, but he recommends taking some time off before beginning a second academic program.
"Going right from undergraduate school to graduate school may not be the best decision. I recommend waiting a year or two before returning to school part-time," said Ryan. "Some companies have tuition reimbursement policies and also the combination of work and graduate school carries a higher value to employers than each separately."
While many students have either gone straight into the job market or into graduate school, others are enjoying their free time, without the responsibilities that go along with college.
"On a normal day, I wake up, do some Pilates, have lunch with my mom and watch soap operas. Shopping, lots of shopping too," said Beth Smyth who graduated from UB in May with a BA in psychology and a BS in business.
Smyth is currently unemployed and leisurely looking for jobs on the Internet. As an owner of her own apartment, she has been searching for jobs in the marketing field, and secretarial and substitute teaching positions.
But not everyone is as lucky as Smyth-to have parents willing to support them until they get on their feet.
"My plans may include getting a job," she said. "But I would love to get married and be a housewife."
