After a great four years with your friends, the inevitable happens: graduation. This is the exciting time you have been working so hard for, and now it’s finally over! The next chapter for everyone begins: maybe moving back home, taking a job in a new city, or starting graduate school, like you! Perhaps you stay nearby or move to a new state (maybe even a new country!) to begin your new journey. But after the initial excitement wears off, you suddenly feel like that 18-year-old kid on campus freshman year, starting over.
Finding your community again after undergrad can feel like a daunting task. You will miss your old friends, late-night study sessions, and afternoons on the lawn. Maybe you worked in industry before returning to school, and now you’re navigating campus (or online learning) in a whole new way. Fear not- read this blog for tips on how to find your groove again!
Get Involved Right Away
Jumping right into your new academic department is a great place to start rebuilding your community. Your department might host orientations, social events, community nights, or different seminars. You might meet students with similar interests, who are also looking to make new friends. Participate in student-led seminars or consider starting your own! There may be rules surrounding these types of events that limit professor’s involvement and allow students to speak freely without the added pressure of faculty evaluation. Just make sure to check any guidelines in place.
Many students find that graduate homework tends to be more difficult, especially in math-centered fields. Group collaboration is usually encouraged, so students can learn from each other as a group. See if anyone in your class wants to join or already has a study group established that is open to more members.
Social Events
Graduate students don’t always have the same access to clubs and organizations as undergrads, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to connect with others who share your interests. Taking time for yourself, whether it’s playing board games, video games, RPGs, reading, or another hobby, is important for unwinding from academic stress. You might find like-minded students in your department and start an informal group of your own. Some students also find community through cultural traditions, like a Chai Tea Hour or other region-specific gatherings, which offer a comforting connection to home. It may be worth talking with your department head, as some schools may have a small budget to help fund such events.
Online and Informal Networking
You may find that your school or department has online communication channels, such as Discord servers, Slack channels, or WhatsApp groups. Joining these can help you stay informed and connect with other students. These group chats are often used for everything from homework help and event announcements to finding friends for social activities.
Having a mentor can greatly improve your experience as you begin grad school. They can provide you with guidance, suggestions, and support throughout your academic experience. Read our other blog, The Benefits of Mentorship for Graduate Students, to learn more about why mentorship matters and how to find the right one for you.
Campus and University-Wide Events
Check if your graduate department has its own social media pages separate from the university’s main accounts. For example, WPI has @wpi for general updates, but also @wpigrad (shameless plug!) for graduate-specific activities. Following these accounts can keep you in the loop on events, guest speakers, and opportunities designed just for grad students.
Don’t overlook university-wide events either! Networking nights, career fairs, and even fun campus traditions can be great ways to meet people and feel more connected to campus life.
Volunteering & Community Service
Volunteering can be a great way to meet new people while making a positive impact. Many universities offer opportunities to mentor undergraduates, participate in STEM outreach, or join community service projects. Not only does this help build connections, but it also provides a break from academic pressures and a sense of purpose outside of coursework.
Not sure how to start connecting?
Making friends can feel really awkward at times! Here are some low-pressure tips to get a conversation going:
- Simply say hi! The person next to you is probably also feeling a little nervous, start by just saying hello!
- Ask easy questions, like: “What program are you in?” “Where are you from?” “Have you been to an event like this before?”
- Stick around after events. Sometimes the best conversations happen once the formal “event” part is over.
- Follow up! If you feel like you clicked with someone, ask if they would want to grab coffee or connect on social media.
Adjusting to graduate school can feel overwhelming at first but you’re not alone! Whether it’s through study groups, social events, or casual meetups, meaningful connections will come with time. Be open to new experiences, say yes to invitations, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Before you know it, you’ll have a strong support system to help you through your graduate journey.