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What Graduate School Is Really Like

You know you're in grad school when...

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What Graduate School Is Really Like

Being a grad student isn't always easy. Personally, I often find myself pondering on dropping out and finally becoming another member of the Spice Girls. But, let's be real... once you're past that first semester you're almost there. Here's a few reasons as to why grad school is the worst/best decision that you will make.

1. You are ALWAYS tired.

Everyone is going to have a different experience while they're in grad school. Some will be completing their 2523 internships they have signed up for, some will be working an assistantship, and juggling internships as well, some will do the bare minimum, but EVERYONE IS ALWAYS TIRED. You feel like you never have enough rest, and you're constantly the driver of the struggle bus. In fact, you've been driving that struggle bus so much lately, you should be getting paid.

2. Reading...

The readings for class never go away. You will read, and read, and read, and read... On Tuesday night you'll get home, and pray that the same pile of books on your desk won't be there anymore... But, to your disappoint they will still be there. It does not matter how many times you'll look at your books with that oh so famous Puss n' Boots look on your face, they're not going away.

3. Everything sucks

When one thing sucks in grad school, EVERYTHING sucks in grad school. When one thing falls apart, it will feel like everything in the entire universe is falling apart.

4. A date? What's that?

if you started grad school single, odds are, you're probably still single... Dating in grad school is nearly impossible. You might match with someone on Tinder, and maybe you'll go grab froyo once, but hey, you'll start to realize that dating yourself is actually pretty great, it's not so bad after all. Plus, why be with someone when you have pizza.

5. You are officially poor

You probably have an assistantship that might give you a little money, but you're still struggling. It seems like no matter how your budget, you are ALWAYS POOR. Getting calls from loved ones saying that they just transferred $20 to your account will become your favorite phone calls. But, hey, you will somehow always have $3 for a pitcher of beer after class is over, and that's all that matters.

6. You suddenly binge watch Netflix

You will literally watch everything on Netflix, it doesn't matter what it is, you'll probably give it a shot.

7. The end is kind of near

Once you get past that first semester you are already so close to being finished. The end is always near, but yet so far away! You have to keep pushing, and it will be here before you know it.

8. Your friends don't understand

All of a sudden your friends back home just won't get it, whatever it may be. One of the hardest situations to go through is when you begin to realize that your normal and regular group of friends don't understand what you're going through. You're probably really far away from them, and not used to being without them. But, keep your head up because...

9. You have a Cohort

Even though your friends back home don't understand, it's okay, because chances are you have a whole group of people going through the exact same thing. They will become your people. They will always understand how poor you are, they'll always be willing to go to the dinning hall with you, and they're always down to get a beer after class.

10. It's only two years

It probably feels like you'll be stuck in graduate school for forever! Just remember your program is probably only two years long. You will be finished before you know it. Where you are now, is extremely temporary, you aren't stuck there forever. Keep your chin up, because once you have that masters degree in your hand, you will be able to go wherever your little heart desires.

11. You will figure yourself out

Graduate school is such a weird time in your life. Because you're sort of a grown up... But, like... not really at all. You came into grad school thinking that you knew exactly who you were, and what you were about, however by the time that first year goes by and professors and peers begin to challenge you to self reflect, you'll see the changes within yourself. You'll start to realize the standards you had before, are now higher, the values you had, are now slightly shifted, and your goals seem so much more obtainable.

12. You will learn to say no

The whole "I'm going to miss out if I don't go out" thing passes. You'll learn to say no to going out to nap instead. You'll become the master of "Nahhh, I'll go with you guys next time".

13. You grow up

Not in a cliche way, and you're not "old". But, you'll be an adult. Grad school teaches us that we can still go to the bar and get toasted, but we now get toasted on a budget... You'll be the first one to spot the drink specials at the bar. Trust me.

14. "I promise I'm in grad school"

Sometimes you'll say something silly, or do something completely wrong in front of someone else, and you'll probably say "I promise I'm in grad school". Because you just made a total fool of yourself. It's okay, we all do it.

15. Grad school.

Grad school, is grad school. You have to make the most of it while you're there. Yeah, it sucks on most days, but soon you'll have that masters degree in your hands. The payoff is so worth it. Stick to it, do your reading, and live your best life. It's all going to be okay.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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