This past semester was my first semester of graduate school and if you are thinking about graduate school, or are about to start, here are some things that I have learned throughout these five months.

Enjoy!

1. Time Management:

During this semester you will be swamped with papers, tasks, meetings, grading, researching, and going to class, which means that managing your time is essential.

2. Communicate:

Whether you are communicating with your professor, your students, or your peers, communication is needed in order to make anything go smoothly during this time.

3. Be Patient:

During these times, being patient is a crucial trait to have, because every task will take time and tedious, so being patient will make everything better.

4. Don't Freak Out:

There were many times, when I was frantic and I lost my composure, but being calm in all those situations made it a million times better.

5. Double Check Your Work:

Always, always, ALWAYS DO THIS before you do anything.

6. Always Ask Questions

Asking questions will only help you during these times. There are no stupid questions. The more questions, the better.

7. Be Vocal

Now this means to always let your professors know where you are in your program. They will have to keep up with your progress within the progress, so always reach out to them and talk to them every day in every step within your program.

8. Get To Know Your Peers and Professors

There is something different about being in your graduate program that you have to speak to your peers and professors, so while you are talking with them, get to know them also.

9. Work Out

Working out is just a good idea. Endorphins are a great thing, and they make you happy.

10. Have A Support Group

Having a consistent support group that you can talk with and go to, to vent out about anything that is going on, will make your experience in grad school more sane.

11. Call Your Mom Every Day

Your mom, or any parent will want to hear everything that you have done this semester and that you have made it through your first semester! Also, because she loves you, talk to her.