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Grad student advice

Hrm well I guess I always think of doing things in a numbered list, so here we go.

  1. If your grad program has an add/drop period, even if it's only a week, take advantage. If your program is like mine, you have such a limited number of classes, so only take the ones that you really want. The only way to do this is to try as many as you can. And yeah, I know, this may end up making your decisions harder, but that's for the best. Take what you want, that's what grad school is for.
  2. Spend time with your cohort. This has been especially great for me in moving to a place where I don't know anyone. It's a nice built in little network for me, but I also think that this would be important even if you have a strong support network already. Your cohort can be such a strong support system for you and I mean this both in terms of completing your academic work at the quality you want and in terms of emotionally supporting you through the course. Cause, here's the thing, unless you're insanely lucky, something is going to be hard during you time in grad school and you want to have as many bits of support as you can.
  3. Going off of #2, get the support you need. This will look differently for each person. This may mean going to your school's writing center or whatever kind/s of academic support they offer. This may mean going to a graduate student support group (yes, these do exist!). This may mean going to therapy. This may be workshopping or doing homework with fellow grad students. This may just mean being sure you call your mom every week. Whatever support you need, get that support because grad school is a kinda weird time in your life and you'll want to be sure you're taken care of.
  4. Following that, take care of yourself. I know, I know, this is far easier said than done. But as best you can, have a healthy sleep schedule (this can do wonders). Be sure you're getting at least some fresh air (personally, I try to be sure I'm getting out of my apartment for a bit, but do what works for you). Try to eat as well as you can manage with a grad student budget/schedule (I know this one is tricky, but do your best). Be sure you're doing some things beyond grad school whether that's a club or a sport or just going out with your cohort, it's important to have things in your life beyond grad school because, in the end, life is more than grad school.
  5. Don't stress too much about grades. Now I don't mean this as in don't give a shit or don't try, I just mean don't push yourself to the point where you feel like you need an A or it's all worthless. Sure, As are great, but here's the thing...almost no one will ever ask to see your transcript (if you're thinking of doing a PhD perhaps this is different). No job is going to ask for it and certainly no person you're going to interact with, so just don't worry as much about the letter as you do about getting everything out of your program that you can.
  6. Get to know whatever city you're in. Even if you move out as soon as your program is done, it will always be the city you went to grad school in. Find a bookshop you like or a peaceful spot to read a book or a club you love, just anything. Be sure you have some memories of the city itself beyond going to school.

(Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy)

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