Learn English – When I finished University or When I finish University or When I have finished University

grammarmeaningtense

I want to write about a future situation when I graduate my university.
I'm currently going to university.
What is best sentence and what is difference between the three?

  • When I finished University
  • When I finish University
  • When I have finished University

Best Answer

When I finished University

This is used to talk about the past, since you're using the past tense: "finished"

When I finish University

This can be used to talk about a planned future.

Example: "When I finish University, I'll move out."

This means I will move out when (usually the moment) I finish University.

When I have finished university

This is present perfect tense. This would be the best option for your situation.

Example: "I'll get a job when I've finished University."

This means I plan to get a job some time after having finished University.

While the second case (finish) tends to point to a short time (often a moment) right after the action (finish University), the third case tends to point to any time after the action, which means it can be 2 years after finishing University.