Grad school is hard. Let’s just sit in that for a second. Grad school. Is. Really. Hard. However, there are often a ton of advertised (and not so advertised) resources on campus that can help you on the road to your degree. Over the last four years, I’ve taken note of the campus resources that have helped me. In this post you’ll find the top 5 that have stood out among others. Let’s get started!
Campus Resources #1 – Your career center
The career center may seem like an obvious resource to start with, and yet there’s often a stigma that career centers are for undergraduates. At some schools, especially mostly undergrad schools, there might be some truth to that, but career centers provide a lot of value beyond career fairs and finding jobs. A good career center will offer resume/CV coaching, hold mock interviews, and often schedule grad-focused events with companies. Don’t sleep on the career center.
Campus Resources #2 – Professional/Skill development offices and classes
I’ve separated this resource out from career center because they serve different functions. This won’t apply across the board, but many schools have resources for developing professional skills. As an example, my university has a leadership institute designed to teach management skills to students. Other examples might include courses you can take or entrepreneurship program. Look around and see what you’ve got around you!
Campus Resources #3 – Wellbeing Center
This should probably have been the first resource in this list, but here we are. The wellbeing center can be a HUGE source of support during your graduate career. The incidence of some mental health conditions is way higher in graduate school than in the general population, and it’s so important to have a safe, easily accessible, and (in many cases) free support center available.
Campus Resources #4 – Writing/Communication Center
I didn’t know the first thing about writing a research manuscript or thesis chapter when I came into graduate school, and I’d never given an oral/platform presentation at a conference. My school’s writing center has been hugely helpful in my own education, so much so that I decided to pay it forward. As a writing consultant, now I get to help students develop their communication skills in papers, presentations, and professional docs.
Campus Resources #5 – The Gym
Sorry, but we have to go here. Regular exercise is important. My toxic trait (well, one of many) has historically been to stop treating my body well when I get stressed/put under pressure. I knew going into grad school that I’d have to make my health a priority, because nobody else could do that for me. For the record, you don’t have to use THE UNIVERSITY GYM. In fact, I don’t anymore since finding a home at Orange Theory. But some incentive for physical exercise is important, and for me, it was the loss of an excuse to not go.
(Bonus) Campus Resources #6 – Your Graduate Studies/Support Office
If you’re having an issue (academic, research, employment, etc.) and you aren’t sure who to talk to, your graduate programs office isn’t a bad place to start. In many cases they’re the right people, but even when they aren’t, they’re knowledgeable about who IS and can point you in the right direction of another of your campus resources!
What have I left out? Got a campus resource you loved and want to share? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading
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Hi! My name is Sean, and I’m the creator of the Authentically Average / Authentic Academic blog. I write about my experiences as a husband, PhD candidate, cook, travel buddy, Catholic, and all-around average human being. If you’re loving this post or are intrigued by my writing and want to read more, follow along with my adventures here!
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