The time has finally come. You got accepted, filed all your paperwork, and paid your deposit. If you’re an on-campus student, you might have also packed, said farewell to family, and arrived at your new place. Maybe you even had to fly to another country. And now, you’re officially ready to begin your graduate school journey!
First, congratulations on getting to this step. With so much to do beforehand, you should pat yourself on the back for having it all done! Now, the real fun begins. You might be feeling a mix of emotions: anxiety, excitement, maybe even a little homesickness already. Don’t worry—this is all completely normal.
Now that you have to actually start grad school, you might be feeling a bit lost on how to get through your first month. That’s where we come in. Read our week-by-week guide for helpful tips, best practices, and useful resources to start your first month of graduate school strong!
Week 1 – Set Your Foundation
Arguably, this is the most important week for a graduate student. You are starting all your classes, meeting different people, and possibly navigating a new city or even country. Now is the time to build your foundation and really set yourself up for success.
Mentality: Treat it like a job
It’s easy for grad school to take over your life. Consider treating grad school like a real job. Set your “on” and “off” hours and stick to them. These will vary by your program and your responsibilities, but do your best to take time away from your studies. If you’re able, study away from your house (like on campus or at the library) to separate home and work. This will help you enforce those “off” hours.
Get organized
Put all your syllabi together and create a master list of your upcoming assignments, readings, and deadlines. Use a system that works for you, like a spreadsheet, calendar, physical planner, or a program like Notion. Just use something that you will actually keep up with. This way, you can plan ahead, and nothing sneaks up on you!
Start building your network
It’s important to build up your network in the beginning, in case you miss a lecture, need notes, or just want to connect with someone. Introduce yourself to classmates and professors early. Swap your contact info with one person in each class in the beginning to make those connections.
Week 2 – Build Your Routines
Now is the time to set good routines and healthy habits so you don’t risk falling behind. Here are some things to think about in your second week to go into the semester strong.
Establish self-care habits
Keep up with your basic needs, like sleep, meals, and exercise. It’s easy to let it slip to the side when deadlines approach or things get stressful. Neglecting your needs will make it harder to function in the long run!
Test your workflow
Test out different study locations to see if there is a place where you focus best. Maybe it’s the library, a coffee shop, or a small lounge area around campus.
Create small academic wins
Finish one big assignment or reading set ahead of schedule this week. That extra cushion can be a lifesaver later when life inevitably gets chaotic.
Week 3 – Deepen Engagement
By now, you’re really in it. Time to start thinking like a graduate student!
Shift from grades to mastery
Instead of just trying to pass a test and cramming your studying the night before, focus on actually understanding the content at hand. By switching your mindset to just getting a grade to wanting to master the material, you will set yourself up for success later.
Find your support systems
Now is the time to find and join study groups and grad organizations. Surrounding yourself with people who understand what you’re going through can help you out later when you need people to vent with or ask advice!
Guard your time
You might get inundated with invitations for extra things, like volunteer work, side projects, or other committees. Some will be great opportunities, but learn to say no when something doesn’t align with your priorities.
Week 4 – Strengthen & Sustain
The last week of your first month is the best time to check how your systems are working and prioritize protecting your energy and time. Grad school shouldn’t be all hard—save time for yourself to relax and recharge.
Evaluate and adjust
Look at your schedule, habits, and workload. How is it going? Do you feel drained and overwhelmed, or like you have a good work-life balance? Tweak what you can now, as it might be harder to change later on.
Protect downtime
Make sure you still reserve time for things you enjoy. Try saving at least one day of downtime each week. Even if you fall behind a little, it’s worth having a guilt-free break for your mind and stamina.
Lock in long-term habits
Set a recurring check-in with yourself about goals and deadlines, perhaps weekly or monthly. Keep up with your organization so you aren’t scrambling in the future.
Additional Resources
Here are a few blogs we compiled that might be helpful to you as you start your graduate experience:
Career Related Tips:
- How STEM Students can build a strong Professional Network
- Mastering Conferences and Networking: a Grad Student Guide
- Interviewing After Grad School
Tips for While You’re Here:
- How-to Guide: Writing at a Graduate Level
- How to Find Community Again After Undergrad
- New Graduate Student Checklist
- 40 Phrases Every Graduate Student Should Know
Stress and Motivation:
- How to Stay Motivated as a Graduate Student in the Colder Months
- Study Tips for Graduate Students
- The Grad Student’s Playbook for Conquering Stress During Finals
- 5 Productivity Apps for Students & Working Professionals in STEM
Funding:
Final Thoughts
The first month of grad school isn’t about proving to yourself that you can survive on caffeine and willpower. It’s about building a sustainable routine and setting yourself up for an easier time down the road. Lay the foundation for a successful and healthy rhythm and systems you can rely on to thrive, not just survive.
Take a breath, pace yourself, and remember your “why.” Think of all the things that led you here and what you’ll become when you graduate!