Home » Study in USA » Student Life » Importance of Socializing, Exploring when Starting Graduate School (MS) in USA ?

Importance of Socializing, Exploring when Starting Graduate School (MS) in USA ?

By guest author Kristal

Starting graduate school can be a very exciting time, but also very scary at the same time.  You are most likely in a new place, surrounded completely by strangers, but this is your chance to make connections that will last a lifetime.  Hence, it is important to be social…during orientation, be sure to talk to people within your program, especially students in your cohort.  Everyone will be in the same boat: NEW.   Make sure you grab contact info of your fellow class mates at orientation or if you run into them at the department…do NOT hesitate to talk and get the contact info.


When should you go out ?


‘Before classes start’ is the best chance & time to go out, meet new people, and explore your new environment.  If you have the opportunity to intermingle with fellow classmates…do it ! What do you have to lose?  It’s much better to start those relationships early, so as the stress levels build during the semester you know that you are not alone.   If you cannot mingle with your classmates before your classes start, make sure you plan something in the first couple weeks, when there is no tension about homework and exams.  Usually, you need someone to take up the responsibility to organize these meetup or going out events…if you do not see anyone take up the initiative, you do it ! It demonstrates your leadership skills and you become the nucleus of the new classmates / Friends circle.

What types of things could you do?


Explore the town, wander the shops of downtown, or maybe visit a local theatre or museum.  There are a lot of parks and outdoor activities to do too.  Most schools also have sporting events.  American football is a very popular sport in the US, and even if you don’t understand it at all, there’s only one way to learn 😉 But, going to a game is a great way to bond with classmates and it’s generally free for students.  If you can’t get a ticket, there are usually many bars that will show the game.  There is no requirement to drink, just go and have fun…You can just plan to go out to a bar for a drink after class…

The more you get involved, the more people you will meet, and the more comfortable you will become in your new home, which leads to more time for you to focus on your studies.  Just remember, once classes start, make sure that studying still remains the priority. But also remember to have fun…all work and no play is no way to live.

What do you think new graduate students can do to socialize ?

About Author : Kristal graduated from a State University in US with B.A and B.S in Economics, Mathematics, and Spanish Majors. She just started her PhD in Economics in fall 2010 with full funding at a State University. She will share her undergraduate experiences and PhD admission, experiences, tips with our readers.

Image Credit : http://goo.gl/q3LNP

   

Other Articles

1 Comment

  1. Hi Krystal,

    I am an international student who is desperately looking for someone who could guide me through the process of applying to universities for MS in CSE and it would be of immense help if you could help me apply for universities or get me to the right Point of contact for the same.
    My Email Id: [email removed spam]
    Thanks in Advance.

    Reply

Leave a Comment