Reflections on My First Weeks of Grad School as an Economics Student

Biking to the Medford campus on my first day of classes, I was pretty nervous. After spending almost three years working in my home country, I knew I wanted to get my master’s degree in economics. But facing derivatives and integrals again was a different story. My head was full of questions: What if I forgot things I was supposed to know? What if I didn't find my people? Was this the right decision? 

That first class was tough, and the fear of having forgotten the basics felt very real. However, I soon realized something that gave me a lot of peace of mind: most of my classmates, even those coming straight from undergrad, were also having trouble navigating the material and adjusting to life as a graduate student. 

To be completely honest, it is hard to study again. I went from a regular job to suddenly losing that strict separation between work and my free time. I manage my own schedule, which is a weird feeling at first, especially when I have homework to account for. However, it also comes with its advantages, offering much more flexibility and independence. 

Coming from the workforce has its own unique advantages, too. I can relate some concepts directly to things I experienced at my job, and I have a much better idea of what fields I'm interested in. Still, it has been a major adjustment getting used to the fast pace and focusing for many hours on end. Right now, it's all about getting my rhythm back. 

A typical day for me usually starts the night before, organizing my planner so I know exactly what I want to achieve the next day. In the mornings, I try to have breakfast in peace and then bike to campus for class or office hours, which I've found are incredibly helpful to ask questions and review tough concepts. Then, I usually eat lunch with classmates and attend classes or stay on campus to study a bit more. 

I try to make sure my whole life isn't just studying. After classes, I go to the gym or to a yoga class to disconnect and give my head a break and then head back home for dinner and a bit more studying. I try to take it easier on Fridays. Last week, a group of classmates and I ended up playing cards in the middle of a study session just to take a mental break. I spend some time on the weekends studying, depending on how heavy the workload of the week is, but I always make the time to do something fun too.  

If you are thinking about returning to school after working, or if you just want to prepare for your first semester, here is what helped me get through the first few weeks: 

1. Review before you start 

You don't need to know everything before day one, but it helps to get used to looking at math you haven't used in your daily life. Talk to your professors beforehand and ask what specific concepts you should review. 

2. Know your "why" 

Remember why you are doing this and what you want to get out of it. If you approach the program in a way that serves your specific goals and career plans, it makes the heavy workload feel much more manageable. 

3. Ask for help 

If you have knowledge gaps, ask questions. Talk to your classmates, TAs, and professors. The university has a lot of resources designed to support students. 

4. Give it time 

You will get used to the fast pace eventually. Just be patient with yourself while you adjust to the new routine. 

5. Enjoy it 

Enjoy being a student again. Appreciate the advantages that come with it. Meet new people, attend events, and just have fun with the experience. 

Looking back at that first nervous bike ride to campus, I realize how much more settled I feel already. The transition back to grad school has been a real adjustment, but creating a new routine and connecting with classmates has made a big difference. I'm excited to see where the rest of this semester takes me, and I hope these tips help you feel a little more grounded on your own grad school journey.