By: Becca Baitel 

Graduate school is no easy feat, whether you’re a current student or a prospective student navigating the application process and weighing your decision.  With the semester underway and deadlines rapidly approaching, it is natural to begin having some early thoughts about graduate school, what it entails, what you will learn, and more. Whether you are a career changer or current undergraduate student, there is a place for everyone at Teachers College. Here are some key tips to surviving and thriving in grad school!

1) Get Organized

At TC, you’ll be quite the busy bee, and soon enough, calendars will become your best friend. Check out Google Calendar, Vantage, or Fantastical. If technology is not your forte, invest in a physical calendar, whether a paper one or a chalkboard. Color coding to distinguish between classes, work, appointments, and more can be essential to staying organized and prepared for the upcoming weeks. Calendars are also effective in managing studying and commuting time. Your calendar will grow inundated with deadlines quickly, so establishing an effective system at the beginning of the semester is critical! Many professors and employers also use Google Calendar to schedule meetings, office hours, etc. 

While you’re at it, please save yourself the stress and close all ten open tabs on your laptop. Instead, use Google Drive to organize your classes into folders.

2) Find Your Ideal Study Spot

Time to hit the books? Explore one of Columbia University’s 22 libraries, including our very own Gottesman Libraries in the Zankel Building, which are accessible by student ID. Each one has a unique energy, so take some time to discover where you focus best! Prior to my first semester, I set a goal that I would get to visit all 22 libraries before the end of my time at Columbia. Perhaps you are not a bibliophile like me, but I highly recommend checking them out regardless! Bonus points for libraries with a Blue Java, Columbia’s on-campus coffee joint (we have one here at TC!). You absolutely have to order a soy cappuccino (or any drink of choice) and cozy up with your readings. I give a special shoutout to Butler Library on the main campus for its incredible architecture — boasting a limestone trim and Neoclassical-inspired design. Be sure to check out their impressive book collection, which has over two million books for students to immerse themselves in! If you prefer a different kind of environment, check out some of Morningside Heights’ local businesses and cafes. Dear Mama and Blue Bottle are ideal for that midday caffeine boost! 

3) Balance, Balance, Balance!

TC is not all work and no play. Even amidst the bulk of work that encompasses what it means to be a graduate student at an Ivy League, devote at least one afternoon or evening to something you love. Teachers College has 40+ student organizations, ranging from Student Government, ZineTC, and the Knitting Circle. Some TC students also join student-run clubs on our neighboring Morningside campus on West 116th Street. As a second-semester student at TC in the English Education M.A. program, I plan to take advantage of these opportunities before I partake in full-time student teaching in the fall. When I am not studying, working, or in class, I spend my days in New York at Chabad and the Grad Network, Columbia’s graduate-only Jewish student organization. Becoming involved means more connections, whether that means exposure to potential professional and social opportunities (or perhaps your future bridesmaids :))

4) Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions

This one may read like a cliche, but inquiry is highly encouraged at TC and pairs exceptionally well with the previous example about making connections. Besides taking advantage of every opportunity, do not hesitate to send that email or approach someone tabling at a networking event or job fair. That is how I scored my first work-study position at the Office of Residential Services. TC has ample opportunities for on-campus employment, leadership, grants, research, and so much more, so make those connections early on in your time here! Additionally, forming a relationship with your advisor can make the class selection process smoother and fine-tune your self-advocacy and communication skills. The same can be said for participating in the classroom or contacting the Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities (OASID) to discuss possible accommodations, if applicable. 

5) Nourish Your Body and Mind

This one is easily the most overlooked, yet arguably the most essential. Realistically, you might get less than eight hours of shut-eye every night, but prioritizing sleep is huge. Developing a routine and designating certain days and times for work is something I’ve relied on, especially as an out-of-state commuter student. Setting a daily wake-up time and bedtime is a great place to start, as well as creating a peaceful environment in your room. Try to avoid working in your bedroom when you can. Additionally, TC students can purchase a meal plan with varying swipe access options, allowing them to eat at any of Columbia University’s dining halls — including our own Grace Dodge Dining Hall! For physical activity, students who live on campus have access to gyms in Whittier and Bancroft Halls. 

Good luck with your graduate school journey!