Whether it’s your first year in graduate school or you’re a seasoned graduate-school veteran, fall quarter can be overwhelming! Below are five tips to help you get off to a positive start this academic year:

[Image Description: A white seal pup nestles itself into the snow, turns to the viewer, and waves its paw. White text above the seal reads “Sup.”]

Pictured: Welcome!

Tip 1: Acquaint or re-acquaint yourself with the plethora of on-campus resources available to graduate students at UCR. Here are just a few of the resources available to graduate students:

• Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is the on-campus site for mental health resources, located in the Veitch Student Center. They take appointments by phone at (951) 827-5531 and in-person Monday – Friday 8 AM-5 PM. If you are in crisis you can also speak to an on-call counselor by dialing (951) UCR-TALK or 2-TALK from any campus phone. You can get more information on their website. 
• The Graduate Writing Center (GWC) is a great resource for graduate students looking to improve their writing or to get feedback on their drafts. Located in the University Office Building, the writing center offers scheduled workshops throughout the year, dissertation-specific support, and individual consultations. You can check out their programming or schedule an appointment here.
• Graduate Quantitative Methods Center (GradQuant) is an excellent way to improve your skills in quantitative methods, computer programming, and digital research methods. GradQuant hosts individual consultations, regular drop-in hours, and workshops to help everyone from the novice to the expert. You can find out more about their services by following this link.

 

[Image Description: A Kathy Johnson, from Hidden Figures, writes her math work on the board during class. She looks focused and self-assured.]

Pictured: You, confident after a trip to the GradQuant

Tip 2: Set yourself up for success. Only you know how you work best, but much of graduate school involves balancing multiple projects, so organization is crucial! Take a moment to look at your scheduled obligations for the quarter: TA sections/labs and office hours, time for your research on or off campus, and time to write. Many scholars schedule themselves dedicated time either weekly or daily to write uninterrupted or engage deeply with their work. Another helpful idea is to schedule yourself time for wellness. This may be regular trips to the gym, daily time to meditate, calls with a loved one, or appointments with a counselor.

 

[Image Description: A small, yellow duckling slowly slumps over and falls asleep with its head resting on the spine of a notebook.]

Pictured: Don’t let this be you pulling your fifth consecutive all-nighter!

Tip 3: Complete your “life admin” ahead of time. Look at your schedule for the quarter, determine when you are going to be busiest and then take a few moments at the beginning of the quarter (or during a less-busy time) to deep clean your apartment, get a haircut, schedule car maintenance, or stock up on shelf-stable or freezer-friendly groceries. This might include looking at your budget and tweaking line items ahead of the new quarter, to prevent any last-minute surprises in week ten.

 

[Image Description: In a laundromat, six full front-loading washers cycle rhythmically, an empty laundry basket sits in front.]

Pictured: Those fresh sheets and towels you'll be enjoying later because you planned ahead.

Tip 4: Keep your eyes on your own paper: literally and figuratively. Imposter syndrome is a common experience among graduate students. Remember that everyone’s life is different, you bring your own unique experience and talent, and that you are in graduate school for a reason! It is a tough habit to break, but instead of comparing yourself to others, consider using your past work as your yardstick for judging future success. How much have you improved when compared to a year ago? A month ago? Hey, if this strategy works for great athletes, it can work for you.

 

[Image Description: Sinead O’Connor sings “Nothing compares to you” staring directly at the camera.]

Pictured: Your mantra for grad school.

Tip 5: Find your community. This can be especially important for first-year graduate students, as everything feels new and different. Set yourself up with the support you need from a variety of sources: family, partners, colleagues, and friends. The life of an academic can be isolating so it will help to alleviate the feeling of isolation to stay connected with people who get you! Also, it’s a good idea to cultivate friends outside your program or cohort to whom you can celebrate or complain in an environment slightly removed from the politics of your department. Befriending graduate students in other disciplines is also a great way to avoid “talking shop” all the time.

 

[Image Description: The Brady Bunch children form a line from shortest to tallest, dancing in place while descending on an escalator.]

Pictured: You and your crew.

Bonus Tip: The GradSuccess team is here to help you have the best possible graduate school experience. You can find us in University Office Building (UOB) 141 during individual Peer Support Office Hours), or stop by anytime Monday-Thursday from 9:00 AM-4:30 PM for free snacks and coffee. To stay up to date with upcoming GradSuccess events and resources, please visit our website), and connect with our social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram (@ucrgradsuccess), Twitter (@UCRgradsuccess), and LinkedIn (GSRC UCR page).

 

 

[Image Description: A baby clenches his fist as if he's celibrating a win. Under him, in large letters, is the words: Success.]

Pictured: You, after following these tips.