6 a.m.
I was sitting in the common area of my shared apartment, reading research papers for my evening classes — hoping to finish everything before heading to work.
My first semester came with a flood of new experiences: new commitments, new jobs, unfamiliar class formats, new friends and professors — and a whole East Coast to explore.
I remember setting an unrealistic goal for myself: to complete every responsibility with perfection. It didn’t take long before that mindset left me completely exhausted.
A new academic year is coming up – so let’s talk about what actually helps (and what doesn’t) when you’re starting grad school.
Content
- Do: Prepare for Changes
- Don’t: Punish Yourself for Being Confused
- Do: Set Up Your Room So You Feel at Home
- Don’t: Neglect Your Non-Academic Life
- Final thoughts
✅ Do: Prepare for Changes
There will be a lot of firsts this semester. You’re back to being the new kid, just like during your freshman year of undergrad. Some of these changes might leave you frustrated, overwhelmed, or just plain confused.
When that happens, try asking yourself:
“What does this change reveal about grad school’s expectations of me?”
“How can these annoying adjustments actually help me grow?”
Approaching new challenges with curiosity instead of resistance can make a big difference.
And always aim for improvement instead of perfection. One day, the new things you experienced will become normal things.
❌ Don’t: Punish Yourself for Being Confused
Before I started, so many grad students warned me: “Grad school will humble you.” They were right.
The learning curve is steepest in your first semester. You’ll find yourself struggling with both academic and non-academic responsibilities, even ones you used to breeze through in undergrad.
Remind yourself: confusion isn’t failure. It’s normal. It’s a part of the process. You are smart enough to get through grad school.
Try checking in with your fellow new grad students. Everyone’s adjusting. And chances are, they need support just as much as you do.
This confusion period is a chance to build your support network!
✅ Do: Set Up Your Room So You Feel at Home
Since leaving Vietnam for college in the U.S., I’ve moved nearly every year. At first, I didn’t bother decorating or investing in my space – “I’ll be moving again soon anyway.”
Sure, I saved money. But I also felt miserable: sleep-deprived, homesick, and completely unmotivated.
Eventually, I started spending a little more to make my room comfortable and calming. And it changed everything.
Grad school is already full of uncertainty and challenge. The least you can do for myself is create a space that helps you feel grounded and safe.
You don’t have to spend a lot. Just make sure your room is a place where you can truly rest. Think: blackout curtains, a decent mattress, fresh air, and a few personal touches – things that remind you of home, wherever that may be.
❌ Don’t: Neglect Your Non-Academic Life
I didn’t pay much attention to my physical and mental health, until I started seeing the side effects of focusing only on school.
Here’s the truth: to absorb all the new information from readings, class discussions, and assignments, your brain needs time to rest and recharge.
let me say that again:
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO
REST AND HAVE FUN
Even if it means spending a little less time on an assignment, taking breaks is always worth it.
Those so-called “unproductive activities”? They’re actually some of the most productive things you can do. Fun and relaxation help your brain clear out unnecessary clutter, form new connections, and stay sharp.
And if you’re running out of ideas for how to unwind, why not use your school’s resources? Your tuition also pays for on-campus events and services.
Find out if your school has free spa days, bingo nights, free shows, free sport or yoga classes. I did it all. Partially for fun, but also to make my tuition feel worth it.
Final thoughts
Starting grad school is both exciting and overwhelming. There will be moments when it feels like you won’t make it through (when the pressure, confusion, or self-doubt gets heavy).
When that happens, just keep going. Even if you’re moving blindly, keep going.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to have fun. Learn from your experiences: the good, the hard, and everything in between.
Wishing everyone starting grad school the very best of luck. You’ve got this.
