How Do I…? Get Involved and Make Friends in Grad School?

By Katy Blackmer 

In this edition of How Do I…? We will be chatting with Allie and Parker, executive committee members of the UMaine Graduate Student Government (GSG), to learn about how to navigate being social and getting involved in extracurricular activities while in grad school.

Some of the questions we explore include:

• How can students balance grad school and being socially and civically active?
• How can students navigate getting involved in the community at UMaine?
• What are some recommendations for breaking the ice with other students in grad school?

Tell us a little about yourselves

Allie: My name is Allie Foster, and I’m a second-year master’s student in the School of Forest Resources. I am also in the Enhancing Conservation Science NSF research traineeship program. I am the current president of the Graduate Student Government, and previously served as the grants officer for GSG! I’m involved in the School of Forest Resources graduate student DEI committee, serving as their treasurer and events coordinator.

Parker: My name is Parker Bausman, I am a second-year Ecology and Environmental Sciences master’s student. I am currently the Outreach and Professional Development officer for the Graduate Student Government. Here, I plan social events and professional development opportunities. 

What was it like making friends in graduate school versus during your undergrad and what were the difficulties?

Allie: In grad school, people are coming from a lot of different walks of life, so it is a lot different than undergrad! Grad school is a crazy transition, but everyone is dealing with it, so you have that sense of camaraderie. I also went to a school where I knew no one for my undergrad, so a lot of it is putting yourself out there, and making the most of it. Everyone is friendly, and even asking if your office mate wants to grab lunch is a great way to put yourself out there.

I feel like I’ve been really lucky to find great friends in my program and beyond! I am co-advised, so I have two lab groups, but I also have friends beyond the School of Forest Resources, and even beyond STEM disciplines and my program. 

Parker: Grad school is a melting pot of people with different interests and backgrounds but with common goals. As grad students, the community feels tighter-knit as we all are working towards similar goals across disciplines. This aspect has been very comforting and helpful in making friends. There are numerous ways to meet and make friends with grad students like social events, department events, and through lab mates. 

I am close with my lab mates but have met countless friends in other groups and departments. I have friends in their first year and friends in their sixth. It’s always great meeting folks who have been around town for some time and also the friends who are new and excited to explore!  

How did you get involved with activities on campus and make friends? How do you recommend finding out about things like grad school clubs, social events, and more, that may exist?

Allie: Starting at UMaine, I knew absolutely no one, and was 2,000 miles away from home. I attended all of the orientation sessions, but the one that really mattered was the GSG social at Orono Brewing Company. There are so many grad students there (new and returning), and it’s a really fun event. I sat at a table and talked with some girls, and we are all friends to this day! A lot of it is putting yourself out there, despite being uncomfortable. 

Your department is a really good way to find connections, too. Something that has been so fun during grad school has been playing intramural sports! There are so many options, including flag football, soccer, and volleyball. Talk with people to see if there’s a team you can join – or start your own team.

There are a lot of graduate student clubs, ranging from cultural student organizations to department-specific clubs. While sometimes it can be hard to figure out where to start, the Graduate Student Government has information about all of these clubs and can point you in the right direction. 

Parker: I started with my lab mates and then other grad students in my building. Now we have a weekly coffee hour and coding hour. These social gatherings have been immensely beneficial in meeting new people and making friends. 

I recommend going to any social event advertised. GSG has a newsletter with social events and many departments will have their own events. Ask other grad students and put yourself out there! If you’re interested in a club ask your GSG; it might already exist and if it doesn’t yet, you can start it. 

Any other useful tips and information?

Allie: The biggest thing I’ve had to learn in grad school is don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether it be related to academics, social life, etc. – if you don’t ask, you won’t know!

Parker: Have fun! Grad school can be stressful and a lot of work but you need to make time to enjoy yourself. The friends you make in grad school will be friends for life, enjoy your time.