What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Graduate School
There was a lot of uncertainty in my life before starting my graduate program in Biomedical Engineering at Tufts University. For one, I didn’t know I was going to be at Tufts until June, and my program started in August. I had just graduated from college, was moving back home, and now had to find a new place to live – all within two months!
When I arrived at Tufts for my first day, I knew no one on campus, let alone in my program. It felt like I was starting over from scratch on my very first day. I felt a wide range of emotions: nervous, stressed, unsure, but also incredibly excited for this new chapter.
The transition to graduate school can be very overwhelming, whether you return to school after working, take some time off after college, or start right after graduating like me. No matter your specific circumstance, graduate school is an amazing opportunity to further your education and build a new community of supportive peers and mentors. Here are some things I learned first-hand about starting graduate school at Tufts, from someone who just completed my first year!
When I started at Tufts, I felt like I was the only one trying to figure things out. So my first reminder is this: you are not the only one! No matter someone’s academic or career background, I’ve come to learn that everyone feels a little lost when they first begin graduate school. Even my friends that completed their undergraduate years at Tufts or in Boston felt overwhelmed and confused at times. One of the best ways to bond with your classmates is to truthfully acknowledge how you’re all feeling: it’s a great way to form genuine friendships.
Additionally, I’ve learned how incredible the support systems at Tufts are. If things feel scary during your first semester, there is a whole community of people looking out for you and rooting for you to succeed. Whether it’s older peers in your program, professors in your department, or graduate department advisors, there are teams of people cheering you on and helping you find your way. I have certainly utilized all of the above networks throughout my first few months at Tufts and beyond.
Furthermore, one of the most significant lessons I’ve internalized in my graduate school journey is the importance of balance. When you get to a place like Tufts, you might be tempted to do it all: take a full course load of credits, work a part-time or full-time job, join graduate student organizations, and still find time to make friends. What many – including myself – often neglect in that process is self-care. Establishing a balance that works for you can be hard, but I believe it is critical to success. I’ve found writing lists and scheduling out my day via online calendars has been crucial to maintaining my sanity and organizing my life!
Finally, the biggest piece of advice I can offer as a current graduate student is to give yourself some grace. Graduate school is a major commitment, and extending yourself kindness during this time of transition is so important. You will ultimately thank yourself in the long run. I know I have!
Finding myself at Tufts has been such a gift, and I have truly loved my time here so far. I am lucky to be in such a welcoming graduate community with ample opportunities and support systems available. No matter where you end up, I hope these tips help adjust to your graduate program and thrive there. And if it is at Tufts, know that an amazing experience awaits you!