When I started my program, I quickly realized that grad school doesn’t just change how you study but also how you live. Between coursework, working as an intern, and keeping some life outside of my career path, I had to rebuild a little bit of myself from undergrad.
Adjusting to being a first-time commuter was difficult at first. As an undergrad I lived 0 minutes from campus or lived on campus. Since joining MBKU that commute has quadrupled. If you have a commute like I do, then build a buffer into your schedule to adjust and take advantage of the drive. Something as simple as listening to lectures on the drive to class can be helpful.
Schedules will become a non-negotiable for you soon. One of the biggest issues I faced during my first few months was not scheduling out my weeks in advance. By blocking out my schedules for exams, assignments, work, study, and free time, life as a grad student became much more doable.
Making friends in grad school will also look different than before. Our cohorts are small and close knit. You will most likely share the same classroom, 5 days a week, with the same group of people, for the next 3 years. At the same time everyone is extremely
busy. Joining student organizations is a great way to meet other classes of students and get involved. Through the classroom and organizations, I met my future study partners, coworkers, and close friends.
Grad school at MBKU will not just test your book smarts but will also introduce you to people and experiences that make the juggling worth it. Give yourself a schedule, adapt to the new surroundings, and take each challenge to learn. Soon, you’llfigure out your rhythm.