Let’s be real—grad school is a whirlwind. Between juggling classes, figuring out my schedule (which was never consistent), and adjusting to life without the structure of being a college athlete, my first year felt like a chaotic rollercoaster. But somehow, I made it—and looking back, I’ve realized a few key things helped me not just survive but enjoy the ride.
Community Is Everything
Staying connected with my cohort was a total lifesaver. Having a group chat where we could vent, share resources, and encourage each other got me through the toughest days. Grad school is overwhelming, but knowing I had people who just got it made all the difference.
Honestly, your classmates are your first line of support—they’re in the trenches with you! Whether swapping books, asking questions, or just sharing a laugh about how hard that last exam was, you’ll feel less alone. If you’re still searching for that sense of belonging, start with the people in your classes. It doesn’t matter where they’re from or how old they are; you’re all in this together for a reason.
Forget the Perfect Routine
I’m not going to lie—adjusting to grad school life as a former athlete was rough. I was used to having my days planned out to the minute, but grad school? Total chaos. Some weeks, I crushed it. Other weeks, I was completely burnt out and needed to take an extra-long nap (or five).
What worked for me was letting go of the idea of a “perfect” routine. Instead, I leaned into flexibility. I used a big monthly calendar to map out major deadlines and left space for life to happen. Trust me—every week will look different, and that’s okay. You’ll be fine if you can see what’s coming and prep accordingly.
Winter Hits Different
Listen, if you thrive in summer like I do, Midwest winters will test you. I’m all about warm weather—studying outside, soaking up the sun, and walking to class feeling like my best self. Winter? A completely different vibe. It’s cold and gray and honestly, it can mess with your mood.
While I haven’t perfected the art of surviving winter yet, my advice is simple: take it day by day. Each freezing, cloudy day is one step closer to sunshine. If you can, plan a quick getaway somewhere warm (I wish I had), but if not, hang in there. The sun will come back, and so will your energy.
Lean on Your Support System
Whether it’s family, friends, a partner, or even coworkers, having people in your corner is a game-changer. Grad school is no joke, and having someone to cheer you on, remind you to breathe, or just listen when you’re overwhelmed can make all the difference.
For me, my support system kept me grounded through the toughest moments. They reminded me I wasn’t alone and that I could handle the pressure. So, if you’re feeling the weight of it all, don’t be afraid to reach out to the people who care about you—you’ll be surprised how much it helps.
Grad school is tough, but it’s also full of growth, connection, and little wins that make it all worth it. Take it one step at a time, and don’t forget: you’ve got this!
Connect with me: Lyda Robinson | LinkedIn | Instagram
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