A few weeks ago, Core Programs hosted its annual fall welcome for international graduate students with more than 120 students in attendance! During the event, experienced graduate students were asked to share their tips and strategies with incoming international grad students.
We found the majority of these insights are helpful to all graduate students across the University of Washington. Take a look at some of these tips and see which work best for you:
- Don’t hesitate to speak up if you have a question.
- Don’t try to perfect, just work hard and do your best.
- You are not alone.
- Learning to cook for yourself will save you money.
- A big part of doing good research is about revising, revising, and more revising.
- Consider “light therapy” during the winter if you are experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder. There are options for free light therapy (for students) at The Counseling Center and Hall Health.
- Go to campus events for free food (and building community).
- You are more than good enough.
- Don’t confuse being busy with being productive.
- It can be good sometimes to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
- Save Sundays for adulting (e.g. go over your weekly budget, write a list of errands, cleaning, etc.
We hope you find these insights useful, and let us know what works for you!
Best,
Core Programs—Office of Graduate Student Affairs
University of Washington