10 Smart Steps to Prepare for Grad School

Grad school is an exciting leap, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you're heading into a research-heavy program or a professional track, there are ways to make your transition smoother and more successful. This blog will walk you through practical, real-life steps to take before you get into your program, so you can hit the ground running.

1. Lock in Your Housing & Logistics

• Start early with finding housing near campus.

• Consider roommate groups, transportation, cost of living, and distance to campus.

• Set up utilities, renters’ insurance, and a basic move-in checklist.

  Secure your home base first, it’s your command center for conquering grad life.

2. Budget Like a Grad Student (Not an Undergrad)

• Break down your stipend/funding vs. actual expenses.

• Consider teaching or research assistant tax implications and payment timelines.

• Create a buffer for one-time costs like moving and tech upgrades.

  Treat that stipend like it’s your research project funding.

3. Understand Your Program Requirements

• Review your degree timeline, coursework, and milestones.

• Get familiar with your department’s handbook.

• Reach out to your advisor or program coordinator with questions now, not later.

  Now is the perfect time to dive into the fine print.

4. Get Familiar with Key Tools & Platforms

• Set up Google Calendar, Notion, or Trello to track goals and deadlines.

• Create your academic email signature and basic CV/LinkedIn updates.

  Learning these now = saving yourself countless headaches later.

5. Start Reading in Your Field

• Ask current students or your advisor for a recommended reading list.

• Skim top journals, recent conference proceedings, or relevant books.

• Build a reading habit to warm up your brain.

• Following a few respected scholars on social media.

  Getting familiar with your field’s language and debates will boost your confidence right out of the gate.

6. Build a Support Network Early

• Join incoming student group chats, Slack channels, or Discords.

• Reach out to current grad students for a 20-min virtual chat.

• Look for affinity groups or associations that align with your identity or goals.

  Grad school is as much about who you know as what you know. The earlier you start making connections, the better.

7. Plan for Mental Health & Downtime

• Research campus wellness services and grad student resources.

• Identify local therapists, if needed, or check online options.

• Choose a hobby or relaxing routine to protect against burnout.

  You can’t pour from an empty cup. Protect your energy as fiercely as you protect your grades or research output.

8. Sort Out Tech and Supplies

• Make sure your laptop is up to date (consider your program’s needs).

• Invest in blue-light glasses, ergonomic desk setup, backup drives, etc.

• Organize digital folders for research, classwork, and admin docs.

  Set up folders in Google Drive or Dropbox now for courses, research, and admin documents. Future you will be very grateful.

9. Prep for Orientation & First Impressions

• Mark orientation dates and review schedules.

• Prepare questions to ask professors, staff, and fellow students.

• Plan your “academic elevator pitch” - who you are, what you intend to study, and why.

  You don’t have to be perfect, just be present and curious.

10. Give Yourself Permission to Be New

• You don’t need to have everything figured out.

• Focus on being open, curious, and proactive.

• Set 2–3 intentions for your first semester that are realistic and meaningful.

  Every expert was once a beginner.

Ready to level up your grad school game? Explore the Habits, Not Hacks series.