maviirmakk

I'm still a first-year, but finishing up. Here's some thoughts as the end of the semester approaches:

1. Be professionally assertive. I am a shy person, sometimes I am afraid to speak up for things I want or say no to unreasonable requests. All first-years want to leave good impressions on their peers and professors, but remember -- you have your priorities to take care of, for example, classes. Professors know classes are important, but some will push you to do more nonetheless. Be assertive, so people can't take advantage of you. Grad school is very demanding for sure, but you have the responsibility to take care of yourself.

2. Learn the politics quick. Crucial for survival, especially first-years who are the weakest because they are new to the game.

3. Know that undergraduate research is very different from graduate research: research was all fun and games when you were an undergrad, but once you put the grad student hat on, it's all serious business and your PI will demand a lot out of you. Be ready for the intensity! Think as much as you can, be as creative as you can, and be as productive as you can. The competition is fierce.

4. Exercise and find a hobby that you enjoy outside of work. Being in grad school puts you in that thinking mode constantly, but it can't be all work and no play. As professors will tell you, you need to eat, sleep, breathe grad school and it's all for your sake, but what they are not telling you is you need something to balance that workload (they might not want to hear about it either ). Taking your mind off work once in a while will help prevent burnouts.

5. Sleep and eat well. Never never compromise sleep and meals.

That's all I can think of for now, and I hope this helps any incoming grad students. It's a new chapter of your life, make the best out of it and you will be just fine!