Surviving Your First Year of Graduate School

By Crystal Burgess

You’ve been admitted to the esteemed institution of your choice for grad school, congratulations! Surviving the first year of grad school is not merely about endurance; it’s about thriving amidst the rigorous demands and navigating the intricate landscape of higher education. Below, we’ve laid out some strategies on how to get through that first year, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. One thing is for sure, you should get ready for your first year of grad school to be transformative.

Stay on top of paperwork and administrative tasks

Grad school often involves a lot of paperwork, including registration forms, funding applications, bills, thesis proposals, and more. Develop a system for managing paperwork efficiently, such as creating folders for different types of documents or setting up reminders for important deadlines. Don’t assume that your advisor or the administrative staff in your department are going to remind you to complete the paperwork, for the most part, this is all on you. Do seek assistance from faculty and staff if you have questions or need help navigating bureaucratic processes. By staying organized and proactive with paperwork, you can minimize stress and focus more on your academic and research pursuits.

Get organized

Grad school can be demanding! With coursework, research, teaching assistantships, and possibly other commitments, you’ll be set up for success if you learn how to manage your time efficiently. Utilize what has worked for you in undergrad or as part of your career. Using tools like a digital calendar or planner can help, but don’t forget to explore a project management app to help you keep track of all the moving parts. Prioritize tasks and allocate specific time slots for studying, research, and personal activities to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Discover your rhythm

Every student is different, so it’s essential to experiment and find a routine that works best for you. Try different study schedules, work environments, and methods of productivity to find what helps you stay focused and motivated. Some students may thrive with early morning study sessions, while others may prefer burning the midnight oil. Similarly, some may work best in a quiet library, while others may prefer the ambient noise of a coffee shop. Pay attention to when you feel most alert and productive, and structure your routine around those times. Remember to be flexible and willing to adjust your routine as needed based on changes in coursework, research demands, or personal circumstances. Finding your rhythm can take time, so be patient with yourself as you explore different approaches to productivity and time management.

Maintain a healthy work-life balance

Did we say that grad school can be demanding? While it’s important to keep your eye on the end goal — an advanced degree — you still need to make it to the end in a healthy manner. Talk with second-year students about their experiences, find a club or organization that sparks your passion, and carve out time in your week to relax and enjoy yourself, especially if you’re in a new town, state, or even country. Finding that good coffee hangout or your ideal study spot will be key. While you’re at it, take advantage of the health aspects your institution provides, whether it be the recreation center, counseling services, or the food court with delicious and healthy food. Whatever method works for you, be sure it’s about balance.

Find your people

We don’t want to sound redundant here, but grad school can be a lot. Not only will you be challenged academically and emotionally, but you’re also broadening your beliefs about what is possible. You’ll want to build a support network of peers, mentors, advisors, and friends who can provide guidance, encouragement, and understanding along the way. Participate in student organizations, seminars, workshops, and social events to connect with others inside and out of your field and form valuable relationships.

Stay laser-focused on your goals

You’ve committed to pursue an advanced degree, aka going to grad school. We’d be remiss if we didn’t say it could be a long and challenging journey, with setbacks and obstacles along the way. Stay motivated by reminding yourself of your reasons for pursuing advanced study and the goals you hope to achieve. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate your achievements along the way. Seriously, treat those milestones as rewards, whether it is taking yourself out for a treat or bringing home a new plant, you deserve it!

Regularly reassess your goals and motivations

So you’re laser-focused, great! But have you checked in on those goals? Throughout your grad school journey, take time to reflect on your motivations and overall satisfaction with your academic path. Are you still passionate about your field of study? Do your career aspirations align with the opportunities that grad school is providing? Are you enjoying the learning experience and the challenges it presents? It’s normal for feelings and circumstances to change over time, so periodically reassessing your decision to pursue grad school can help ensure that you’re on the right path. Seek feedback from mentors, advisors, and peers, and consider whether adjustments or alternative paths may better align with your evolving interests and objectives. Ultimately, the decision to continue or pursue other opportunities should be based on a thoughtful assessment of your personal and professional goals.