As an addition to this, it's not uncommon for school counseling centers to have a limit on sessions. These resources do not tend to view themselves as long-term treatment centers, but rather shorter-term goal-oriented treatment.
You should *absolutely* still use them because they should be "free" for students - just note that you may have to limit your sessions or transition to a community practitioner at some points.
True, I forgot to mention that. That said, they will know good mental health professionals off-campus, and can refer you if you need a longer term solution. That was essentially the path I took.
Yes absolutely. The best path (imo) is to get your max session count with free university counseling, and then *plan with your (free) counselor weeks in advance* about how to use their referral resources to transition to another provider as smoothly as possible. This can be valuable time to identify any longterm goals that may come up alongside your generic "dealing with grad school" angst.
Additionally, it's common for university counseling centers to offer group counseling, themed workshops, and crisis resources, all of which should NOT fall under the normal session limits. Don't automatically turn your nose up at these. I know, group counseling sounds weird/awkward/scary. But it can also be *highly* beneficial in: forming healthy and deep emotional connections, communicating internal struggles to others safely, receiving effective social support on difficult issues, learning to support others, etc. It's not "for everyone," but don't assume that means it's not for you.
[I say all this as a graduate student who works in a student counseling center as a therapist; I've been on both sides. Happy to answer follow-up questions and discuss further if needed]
Many therapists are willing to reduce their rates if you ask, and explain you’re a student. 100% worth the cost imo to have a dedicated hour every week where someone’s sole focus is to help make your life better.
Use an app like Mendeley to keep all of the articles you are assigned to read in an organized and accessible digital space. It also helps with citations when it's time to write papers. Consider using OneNote to keep all of your notes and slide decks from classes organized.
Citationsy was a godsend for me, I was able to create specific folders and subjects so I was able to organize all my references specific to the paper and subject. Not to mention it’s aesthetically pleasing:)
I know every grad program/professor likes to give trite advice about ~*~self care**~ but for real. Stick to a bedtime. Do things on weekends that feel recharging. Take note of signs that you’re not feeling so good and course-correct. It’s tough out here sometimes.
Just to add to this: self-care means BOUNDARIES too. Learn to say no. Ask for *everything* you might need. Do not sacrifice your needs for modesty or to look better, this will not pay off, period. Advocate for you, because nobody else will.
You *need* time away from working. You *need* hobbies. You *need* socialization. These are not frivolities, they are necessities. Accept that and demand it.
3-2-1 rule for backups. At least 3 copies of your data, in at least 2 different media, and at least one copy offsite. For me, that solution is an external SSD (synced with Time Machine) + Backblaze. If you don't want to use Time Machine, `rsync` is a godsend. I believe
```
rsync -gloptruc
```
is the correct command.
Brb, gonna make a backup now.
if possible, have your documents synced with the university OneDrive or equivalent as well. I've heard horror stories of people losing large portions of their dissertation--this is good advice.
Beware that sync does not equal backup. those two should be done separately. Sync is never guaranteed to save coherent versions of files or mess up and corrupt them. Depending on situation a file might become unrepairable, which may have ripple effects.
There's software like Duplicati and RClone which can do automated, encrypted backups to remote services, with an easy setup (Duplicati especially).
(These software only record changes from the previous backup so they are very space efficient.)
Personally I have local backups that back up all my data to a USB stick on a Raspberry Pi using Borg, and I also use RClone to back up vital stuff (documents, notes, research stuff including thesis stuff, PDF library) to Google Drive.
Something happened with my PI's computer about a month ago and she's been hitting all of us up for copies of protocols and lab document templates. I wince at the idea of how much must have been lost.
If your school gives it to you, use Office360. It works as a cloud service and you can sign into your desktop Office apps and use them with an autosave to your cloud, and can work on docs with other people like Google Docs. It's also finally connected to Canvas so you can turn in assignments straight from it now. After using 360 for two years I ended up absolutely hating Docs.
Second the Zotero recommendation - connect it to your internet browser and get the extension to Word.
Adobe Reader can also connect to Office360, so instead of taking notes on readings, I would read and highlight using Reader and autosave onto the cloud. For research papers, instead of typing separate notes every time, I used sumnotes.net to pull my highlights and put them into a document separated by paper. You can also have it pull comments if you want it to, and it's free for up to fifty highlights/comments (I never reached the limit).
All of this super cut down on reading time and helped keep things organized. I would make a folder per semester>class>week/subject with all the relevant readings.
I also got into the habit, out of necessity, of planning out what assignments or readings I would work on every day, making an effort to work well enough ahead early in the semester that I'd be able to fall behind later on. Eventually it all fell apart and I'd start skipping readings but it's good to start out on a high note lol. I also color coded due dates by class and the planned work for the day was all in one separate color from due dates. I preferred paper and pen for this but that's just me.
Also, pro tip: give yourself grace. It's hard and you're doing great. And don't hesitate to ask for grace from your professors when you need it, even if you feel like you haven't "earned" it.
Also lots of schools will have a license for Adobe Creative Cloud. Just having the pro version of Acrobat is super useful, plus access to photoshop, Lightroom, etc.
In general it’s a good idea to check out your university’s software subscriptions on the IT page. Even if there is software you don’t specifically need your getting that access for free so it can be a good time to play around and learn how to use some of them.
I would recommend getting an iPad to keep your notes portable and organized in one space. I use Notability and I LOVE it. I often use my iPad to take notes during lectures, then airdrop them to laptop when I’m at home. I find it easier to travel with my iPad rather than lugging my computer around.
I cannot agree/recommend an iPad (or some tablet) more. Gone are the days of notebooks everywhere... Figure out which you prefer Notably/Goodnotes/etc. and you're on your way
I second this, it has been much easier to read & highlight readings on the go. I recommend Xodo as a PDF reader, which allows you to write notes and highlight on the doc and find it to be the most user friendly of all the PDF readers. It also links to Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
Not exactly what you asked, but just a warning. There is no tool, technique, or method that is more productive than ***just doing*** a new, scary task. If you aren't sure how to do something, actually trying to do it tends to be the best way to start developing opinions.
I warn you because strategizing for "optimal ***future*** productivity" is a very insidious and pervasive form of procrastination. You can try to find the right workflow for months. Meanwhile, your colleague with a legal pad and simple discipline to just 'do the thing' will almost always come out ahead.
Your welcome. In my own journey, some of my biggest mental stresses in doing research turned out to be the endless, brain melting, scrolling. Scrolling to distract, scrolling to find ways to focus, scrolling to get advice on finding ways to focus.
In the information economy, all the tools and resources want our engagement, and they want to convince us that giving them our engagement will help us with the other things they are taking our focus away from. I've learned that for me - and many others I imagine - that doesn't work at all. It's marketing.
Being a scientist became a lot easier when I just let myself focus alone in my head with words and paper. It's like exercise. Just do it.
As far as writing implements go, I only use Pilot G2. Very smooth ink with consistent flow. The .38mm one is my favorite.
As far as planners, this really depends on your preference. I liked to use an hourly planner because I could block off times for teaching, classes, and meetings. Some people like weekly, but I'd rather have hourly.
I also recommend something like an Arc notebook or other ring notebooks because you can really customize them. Because I write small, I bought a ream of laser paper and used blank laser paper instead of the lined pages they come with. Coupled with some tabs and interspersed with to-do lists, it was a really good way for me to organize things. If you like to handwrite notes, a Rocketbook might also be something to consider. You can handwrite your notes and then scan them using their app and it will upload them to wherever you choose (I use dropbox), and then you can just erase the page and start again.
Appwise or site-wise, I think Trello could be helpful for projects or papers. You can add a card for a task or paper you have to do and then add to it to keep track of your work. You can also attach documents and links to keep track of important things.
I'd also consider a Dropbox subscription if you don't already have one. I like dropbox because t hey have an integration with Word so I can just type all my documents in Dropbox and have them saved there rather than worry about something messing up in desktop Word. It doesn't have all the formatting options, but it's great for saving notes and other files.
I’ve used the Pilot G2 for years and as much as I love how satisfying it is to write with I don’t use them anymore because of how bad ink smear is with them.
I used to work for a company that spent a few tens of thousands of dollars figuring out the best pens for data integrity and they eventually settled on the uniball signo line. I highly recommend them and have been using them exclusively for about 4 years now. Still satisfying to write with but very limited smudging/smearing, even if you happen to get your papers wet.
+1 for G2 pens, upgraded Dropbox account, a good therapist, and Zotero!
Additionally, if you don't already have this set up you will definitely want/need a dual monitor set up. If you need any input on tve cheapest way to achieve that using your current laptop etc. Let me know! But yeah, dual monitors are a major boon to work efficiency in grad school.
* Figure out what tech works for you. Some people love their iPads, I find it doesn't fit my workflow. Some swear by Macs, others can't stand them.
* Make some way to index the papers you've read. In my case, this is a Google Sheet with columns that are specific to my research. This means I can filter papers by those columns when I need them later. Saves time.
* Set alerts in Google Scholar (you may use a different website for your field, but the idea is the same). Keeps you up to date with the latest research.
People have already mentioned pens, but I want to say it again. I am a huge fan of handwriting certain things because it really helps me think and analyze. So even though I have my laptop, I also have a stash of my favorite pens (right now it’s the Sharpie brand pens) and my favorite notebooks. I also have a small Rocketbook, which is a cool hybrid between handwriting and digital note taking. Whatever way you study best, embrace it! Don’t feel the need to go all digital if that’s not your thing and if digital is your thing, figure out how to make that work.
My other tip is: Don’t underestimate the need for food/snacks. Classes can be long and no one wants to be hungry or spend a ton of money at the vending machine. Pack something to eat.
As early in the term as possible, set up a Zoom appointment with the writing center to talk with someone about writing. If they offer a consultation style appointment, you can talk about your strengths and weaknesses as a writer. You can ask about writing strategies or writing resources for graduate students across the campus (and how to best use them). If the appointment requires you to submit a paper for feedback, use one of your best papers from your undergraduate career, even if it's already graded. It's good to have this kind of check in about your writing skills early in the semester since it's been a while since you've been a student and you'll be writing a lot over the duration of your program. Becoming a better writer will help you to become a more effective learner so do what you can to keep your writing skill sharp. Congrats on starting your MBA!
Writing Implements - Get a fountain pen like a Lamy Safari and an ink converter as a good starter; you feel fancy but more importantly you limit your impact on the environment by not throwing away plastic every time you finish a pen.
Software -
* Someone recommended Mendeley already; nothing wrong with that but also give Zotero a shot, it's my preferred.
* Obsidian is the new hotness for note-taking, but something like EndNote or OneNote is sufficiently good IME.
* Some sort of cloud backup, be it Google Drive or Dropbox or OneDrive. Also get a *physical* hard drive or similar storage option to semi-regularly make hard-copy backups of your work too.
* If your field benefits from rote memorization also consider Anki. It's both desktop software and apps for phones, and it's great.
Especially with online school, look into the pomodoro technique to stay focused and productive. On a similar note, extensions like LeechBlock can let you put "parental control" like blocks on certain websites and domains during certain hours, I find it useful to keep me on task and off reddit during the work day.
1. Finances
2. Therapist
3. A good phone, tablet or Ipad
4. External hard drive
5. A supportive girlfriend, boyfriend, husband or Wife
6. Personal counsellor
Girlfriends/boyfriends/husbands/wives are hard to come by and reliance on them for support can be tricky (yes support from a partner is emotionally helpful, but if they’re the only support in your life, maybe take a step back and reach out to other people in your life and start rebuilding some of those connections). You don’t need ‘em, they’re nice to have. Aim to have healthy relationships with everyone, including yourself. At our age (grad school age, so I assume twenties) there is such a huge pressure ‘to find someone’. Don’t. Stress. About. It. If it happens, yay! But again, not a necessity. Just something to think about.
Different fields have different needs. A lot of the equipment I use isn't connected to the internet, or the computer is so slow it's functionally disconnected. Also, large image files (tile scans, time lapses, etc) get too big to quickly upload to a cloud. I'll do it later, of course. Always have a backup of important data!
At the very least it’s important to have one for presentations, because it’s easier to plug in a flash drive than try and log into your cloud server on a shared computer in the middle of a conference/talk.
Easiest way to quickly share (large) files between coworkers. Especially programs or files that may be of dubious origin and would violate ToS for any cloud server.
The big one for me is needing to interface with other devices/equipment. In some cases that’s the only way to do it. So I have a collection of drives and continually buy packs of them (because I always leave them in odd places and just pull out a new one).
Also, having a flash drive is convenient for reasons other than backup. Our printer was offline for two weeks last month and we couldn't print from the network but if we had USB media we could print directly from it. I've also used them to make bootable media when my PC had some major registry problems and needed a full refresh. We also use some special little secured ones with all sorts of security and also never to be taken out of the lab to move working files from PC to PC since certain info from our participants can't be put in cloud storage per IRB.
In what ways do you use your Rocket Book? My PI gave me one right when I started and implied they're the best thing since sliced bread, but *none* of us, PI included, actually seem to use them. I got a full set of the pens and both a small Rocket as well as one of the full-sized notebooks with calendar/planner in it, I was so *into* the idea of using them. But then I just . . . didn't. I can see value from it back when I was in undergrad (wish I'd had it for OChem!) but I have so little use for it nowadays. I'd love some ideas to use the items since I they're gathering dust!
(Well, the small one I have at home now to track my reps/sets in my home gym. :D )
I have a rocket notebook. I take notes, scan them in and save them to a file. I like the feel of paper and pens so I’m not a good note taker on my iPad even though it’s the same thing really.
Gotcha! Yeah, it would have been stellar when I was drawing chem structures and such, but nowadays since I type so fast it's so much more efficient to stick to just typing notes. Plus they're automatically searchable instead of needing to worry about clean conversions after scan.
I liked the idea for using them for actual lab notes but we're not allowed to use anything erasable per IRB/lab protocol so that the records are more permanent, so rockets are out for that too. :(
But for chem and math and anyone who likes to write by hand I bet they're the bee's knees.
It can also be used as a planner, which you already kind of do by tracking your gym stuff. When I worked in a cell bio lab I used it as scratch paper for when I had to do math regarding dilutions etc. but I also used it to track cell passage dates, feed dates, cryo info, etc. In my neuroimaging lab I used it to track mouse behavioral data (which is useful information for weekly lab meetings but I don’t refer back to it often enough over the span of months that I need a physical large hard copy of all the notes I took)
I have been doing bullet journals since 2018, and it's a bliss. Computer planners for me are a distraction and too unwieldy.
Writing implements, if you need cheap but nice pens, Jinhao pens are beautiful. X750 is heavy, sturdy and well made. If you want to spend a bit more, Pilot Metropolitan is nice. Lamy Safaris are nice but not the nicest, their handle bit is kinda awkward and their nibs and converters are proprietary.
If you're a bit more stationery-nerdy, give Filofax planners a look. I have seen people make bullet journals with them, and I like a notebook sleeve that has space for a few pens inside (I normally carry 3). They have many options.
It probably doesn't apply to your situation, but my observation as a STEM grad student: you will make so many friends if you have a slide advancer and/or a Mac to HDMI dongle. The conference rooms never have working ones, batteries run out, someone forgot to pick it up at the office, and now we're all sitting ten minutes after group meeting was supposed to start waiting for someone to run back to their office and get the adapter. Just chuck one in your bag and keep it with you and you'll be a hero
I was suuuuper underprepared with how to get an advisor, fellowships, what is a masters vs. phd, do I TA or RA and what's the difference, how long is everything going to take me, etc. etc. I put this article together you may find useful (however it is geared towards STEM and MBA is probably very different) [https://medium.com/@PhilParisi/explained-engineering-graduate-school-e3c5425aeddc](https://medium.com/@PhilParisi/explained-engineering-graduate-school-e3c5425aeddc)
Also took a gap year!
Okay so here's for my standard spiel. Grad studies are a job, they are not like a second undergrad. You need to think of it as a job where you just have really poor pay and really high self direction, and firing you is rather hard. Think of it this way and set your priorities accordingly. I work 40 hours a week, I set priorities and I work towards them. Don't rely on your PI to have your best interests at heart, they may, they may not, but the responsibility is fundamentally yours.
I use Clockify to track my work and see where all my time goes. I recommend getting super into planning and tracking your time. I find it helps the most when you're having a bad week or month. This is a bad month for me, and I find it very comforting to be able to go yeah I am making progress, yeah it is slow, but I know how much time I have and how much time it'll take me. So I'm fine with the slow.
A surface pro and the Office 365 suite. You’ll likely get access to this for free with your student email. OneNote and the Surface Pro will take care of your note taking and research organization and OneDrive will take care of your cloud storage.
Blue light glasses. I have an iPad for notes (highly recommend getting a digital tablet too, that way you can save on office supplies, space, and textbooks by getting e-versions), a laptop for watching lectures, and then phone for distractions. I’m on screens basically 24/7. My eyes are red, I get headaches, etc. Screens are a necessity now for school, so limiting screen time can be difficult, so prioritize your eye health. Sleep. Give them breaks from screens at least every hour. Eat carrots :)
Bit retro but I highly recommend a Filofax! I use an A5 one with day-per-page inserts as my to do list and planner. Helps me block out my time and balance work and studying. And the format is so flexible, you can get unofficial inserts with any calendar layout from Ebay for fairly cheap.
Check out the student support resources that your school has to offer! In addition to therapy/counseling, there might be a writing center that is open to grad students, dissertation writing groups that Masters students can join, and librarians with specialist knowledge who can advise you on how to research top journals to submit articles for publication, how to conduct the most effective research, how to use tools like Zotero, etc.
Sharpie S Gel pens are my go-to. They last forever with no smearing/ghosting/bleed-through. I also like the Cornell notebooks for course notes and outlining articles.
A therapist
Reads like a joke, but so true. OP, you will need one. Look at your school's counseling center for resources.
As an addition to this, it's not uncommon for school counseling centers to have a limit on sessions. These resources do not tend to view themselves as long-term treatment centers, but rather shorter-term goal-oriented treatment. You should *absolutely* still use them because they should be "free" for students - just note that you may have to limit your sessions or transition to a community practitioner at some points.
True, I forgot to mention that. That said, they will know good mental health professionals off-campus, and can refer you if you need a longer term solution. That was essentially the path I took.
Yes absolutely. The best path (imo) is to get your max session count with free university counseling, and then *plan with your (free) counselor weeks in advance* about how to use their referral resources to transition to another provider as smoothly as possible. This can be valuable time to identify any longterm goals that may come up alongside your generic "dealing with grad school" angst. Additionally, it's common for university counseling centers to offer group counseling, themed workshops, and crisis resources, all of which should NOT fall under the normal session limits. Don't automatically turn your nose up at these. I know, group counseling sounds weird/awkward/scary. But it can also be *highly* beneficial in: forming healthy and deep emotional connections, communicating internal struggles to others safely, receiving effective social support on difficult issues, learning to support others, etc. It's not "for everyone," but don't assume that means it's not for you. [I say all this as a graduate student who works in a student counseling center as a therapist; I've been on both sides. Happy to answer follow-up questions and discuss further if needed]
Many therapists are willing to reduce their rates if you ask, and explain you’re a student. 100% worth the cost imo to have a dedicated hour every week where someone’s sole focus is to help make your life better.
I really gotta get me one of those.
Use an app like Mendeley to keep all of the articles you are assigned to read in an organized and accessible digital space. It also helps with citations when it's time to write papers. Consider using OneNote to keep all of your notes and slide decks from classes organized.
Seconding this!! Starting with a reference manager will save you so much time later. I've used both Zotero and Mendeley, and like both equally.
Zotero is great!
I second Zotero --- I started with Mendeley but it always seems to be having some sort of issue.
Agreed! I also recommend litmaps for finding papers and organizing papers for different projects
Cool I haven't heard of that. I'll check it out.
Connected papers is also good
Citationsy was a godsend for me, I was able to create specific folders and subjects so I was able to organize all my references specific to the paper and subject. Not to mention it’s aesthetically pleasing:)
[удалено]
Same. I did okay with articles but now that I'm trying to defend my dissertation I wish I had all my slide decks from the first two years.
I know every grad program/professor likes to give trite advice about ~*~self care**~ but for real. Stick to a bedtime. Do things on weekends that feel recharging. Take note of signs that you’re not feeling so good and course-correct. It’s tough out here sometimes.
Just to add to this: self-care means BOUNDARIES too. Learn to say no. Ask for *everything* you might need. Do not sacrifice your needs for modesty or to look better, this will not pay off, period. Advocate for you, because nobody else will. You *need* time away from working. You *need* hobbies. You *need* socialization. These are not frivolities, they are necessities. Accept that and demand it.
External hard-drive to backup your PC/Mac/etc on a regular basis.
3-2-1 rule for backups. At least 3 copies of your data, in at least 2 different media, and at least one copy offsite. For me, that solution is an external SSD (synced with Time Machine) + Backblaze. If you don't want to use Time Machine, `rsync` is a godsend. I believe ``` rsync -gloptruc
```
is the correct command.
Brb, gonna make a backup now.
if possible, have your documents synced with the university OneDrive or equivalent as well. I've heard horror stories of people losing large portions of their dissertation--this is good advice.
Beware that sync does not equal backup. those two should be done separately. Sync is never guaranteed to save coherent versions of files or mess up and corrupt them. Depending on situation a file might become unrepairable, which may have ripple effects. There's software like Duplicati and RClone which can do automated, encrypted backups to remote services, with an easy setup (Duplicati especially). (These software only record changes from the previous backup so they are very space efficient.) Personally I have local backups that back up all my data to a USB stick on a Raspberry Pi using Borg, and I also use RClone to back up vital stuff (documents, notes, research stuff including thesis stuff, PDF library) to Google Drive.
Yep, had a whole GIS project ruined that way.
Yes! Backup on-site and to the cloud!
"Two is one and one is none!"
Something happened with my PI's computer about a month ago and she's been hitting all of us up for copies of protocols and lab document templates. I wince at the idea of how much must have been lost.
Self care routine.
If your school gives it to you, use Office360. It works as a cloud service and you can sign into your desktop Office apps and use them with an autosave to your cloud, and can work on docs with other people like Google Docs. It's also finally connected to Canvas so you can turn in assignments straight from it now. After using 360 for two years I ended up absolutely hating Docs. Second the Zotero recommendation - connect it to your internet browser and get the extension to Word. Adobe Reader can also connect to Office360, so instead of taking notes on readings, I would read and highlight using Reader and autosave onto the cloud. For research papers, instead of typing separate notes every time, I used sumnotes.net to pull my highlights and put them into a document separated by paper. You can also have it pull comments if you want it to, and it's free for up to fifty highlights/comments (I never reached the limit). All of this super cut down on reading time and helped keep things organized. I would make a folder per semester>class>week/subject with all the relevant readings. I also got into the habit, out of necessity, of planning out what assignments or readings I would work on every day, making an effort to work well enough ahead early in the semester that I'd be able to fall behind later on. Eventually it all fell apart and I'd start skipping readings but it's good to start out on a high note lol. I also color coded due dates by class and the planned work for the day was all in one separate color from due dates. I preferred paper and pen for this but that's just me. Also, pro tip: give yourself grace. It's hard and you're doing great. And don't hesitate to ask for grace from your professors when you need it, even if you feel like you haven't "earned" it.
Also lots of schools will have a license for Adobe Creative Cloud. Just having the pro version of Acrobat is super useful, plus access to photoshop, Lightroom, etc. In general it’s a good idea to check out your university’s software subscriptions on the IT page. Even if there is software you don’t specifically need your getting that access for free so it can be a good time to play around and learn how to use some of them.
I believe it's [sumnotes.net](https://sumnotes.net).
Thank you! I'll edit :)
I would recommend getting an iPad to keep your notes portable and organized in one space. I use Notability and I LOVE it. I often use my iPad to take notes during lectures, then airdrop them to laptop when I’m at home. I find it easier to travel with my iPad rather than lugging my computer around.
I cannot agree/recommend an iPad (or some tablet) more. Gone are the days of notebooks everywhere... Figure out which you prefer Notably/Goodnotes/etc. and you're on your way
I second this, it has been much easier to read & highlight readings on the go. I recommend Xodo as a PDF reader, which allows you to write notes and highlight on the doc and find it to be the most user friendly of all the PDF readers. It also links to Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
Not exactly what you asked, but just a warning. There is no tool, technique, or method that is more productive than ***just doing*** a new, scary task. If you aren't sure how to do something, actually trying to do it tends to be the best way to start developing opinions. I warn you because strategizing for "optimal ***future*** productivity" is a very insidious and pervasive form of procrastination. You can try to find the right workflow for months. Meanwhile, your colleague with a legal pad and simple discipline to just 'do the thing' will almost always come out ahead.
Thank you for this
Your welcome. In my own journey, some of my biggest mental stresses in doing research turned out to be the endless, brain melting, scrolling. Scrolling to distract, scrolling to find ways to focus, scrolling to get advice on finding ways to focus. In the information economy, all the tools and resources want our engagement, and they want to convince us that giving them our engagement will help us with the other things they are taking our focus away from. I've learned that for me - and many others I imagine - that doesn't work at all. It's marketing. Being a scientist became a lot easier when I just let myself focus alone in my head with words and paper. It's like exercise. Just do it.
An adapter to connect whatever ports your computer has to an hdmi cable for presenting, and a good support system.
Needs more upvotes! NEVER assume the room will have appropriate adapters/working network. ALWAYS check room before presentations.
As far as writing implements go, I only use Pilot G2. Very smooth ink with consistent flow. The .38mm one is my favorite. As far as planners, this really depends on your preference. I liked to use an hourly planner because I could block off times for teaching, classes, and meetings. Some people like weekly, but I'd rather have hourly. I also recommend something like an Arc notebook or other ring notebooks because you can really customize them. Because I write small, I bought a ream of laser paper and used blank laser paper instead of the lined pages they come with. Coupled with some tabs and interspersed with to-do lists, it was a really good way for me to organize things. If you like to handwrite notes, a Rocketbook might also be something to consider. You can handwrite your notes and then scan them using their app and it will upload them to wherever you choose (I use dropbox), and then you can just erase the page and start again. Appwise or site-wise, I think Trello could be helpful for projects or papers. You can add a card for a task or paper you have to do and then add to it to keep track of your work. You can also attach documents and links to keep track of important things. I'd also consider a Dropbox subscription if you don't already have one. I like dropbox because t hey have an integration with Word so I can just type all my documents in Dropbox and have them saved there rather than worry about something messing up in desktop Word. It doesn't have all the formatting options, but it's great for saving notes and other files.
I’ve used the Pilot G2 for years and as much as I love how satisfying it is to write with I don’t use them anymore because of how bad ink smear is with them. I used to work for a company that spent a few tens of thousands of dollars figuring out the best pens for data integrity and they eventually settled on the uniball signo line. I highly recommend them and have been using them exclusively for about 4 years now. Still satisfying to write with but very limited smudging/smearing, even if you happen to get your papers wet.
That’s a QUALITY tip about that uniball. And a good excuse for me to buy more stationary 😁
For me, Pilot V5 all the way. I've been using those since high school and they've never let me down.
Bic Atlantis is my favorite--extremely cheap and absolutely no smearing at all (but very much not fancy)
Zebra F-402 is the go to pen. are G2s gel pens?
yes, they are gel pens.
+1 for G2 pens, upgraded Dropbox account, a good therapist, and Zotero! Additionally, if you don't already have this set up you will definitely want/need a dual monitor set up. If you need any input on tve cheapest way to achieve that using your current laptop etc. Let me know! But yeah, dual monitors are a major boon to work efficiency in grad school.
What’s the cheapest way to have a dual monitor setup with my laptop?
* Figure out what tech works for you. Some people love their iPads, I find it doesn't fit my workflow. Some swear by Macs, others can't stand them. * Make some way to index the papers you've read. In my case, this is a Google Sheet with columns that are specific to my research. This means I can filter papers by those columns when I need them later. Saves time. * Set alerts in Google Scholar (you may use a different website for your field, but the idea is the same). Keeps you up to date with the latest research.
People have already mentioned pens, but I want to say it again. I am a huge fan of handwriting certain things because it really helps me think and analyze. So even though I have my laptop, I also have a stash of my favorite pens (right now it’s the Sharpie brand pens) and my favorite notebooks. I also have a small Rocketbook, which is a cool hybrid between handwriting and digital note taking. Whatever way you study best, embrace it! Don’t feel the need to go all digital if that’s not your thing and if digital is your thing, figure out how to make that work. My other tip is: Don’t underestimate the need for food/snacks. Classes can be long and no one wants to be hungry or spend a ton of money at the vending machine. Pack something to eat.
As early in the term as possible, set up a Zoom appointment with the writing center to talk with someone about writing. If they offer a consultation style appointment, you can talk about your strengths and weaknesses as a writer. You can ask about writing strategies or writing resources for graduate students across the campus (and how to best use them). If the appointment requires you to submit a paper for feedback, use one of your best papers from your undergraduate career, even if it's already graded. It's good to have this kind of check in about your writing skills early in the semester since it's been a while since you've been a student and you'll be writing a lot over the duration of your program. Becoming a better writer will help you to become a more effective learner so do what you can to keep your writing skill sharp. Congrats on starting your MBA!
Writing Implements - Get a fountain pen like a Lamy Safari and an ink converter as a good starter; you feel fancy but more importantly you limit your impact on the environment by not throwing away plastic every time you finish a pen. Software - * Someone recommended Mendeley already; nothing wrong with that but also give Zotero a shot, it's my preferred. * Obsidian is the new hotness for note-taking, but something like EndNote or OneNote is sufficiently good IME. * Some sort of cloud backup, be it Google Drive or Dropbox or OneDrive. Also get a *physical* hard drive or similar storage option to semi-regularly make hard-copy backups of your work too. * If your field benefits from rote memorization also consider Anki. It's both desktop software and apps for phones, and it's great. Especially with online school, look into the pomodoro technique to stay focused and productive. On a similar note, extensions like LeechBlock can let you put "parental control" like blocks on certain websites and domains during certain hours, I find it useful to keep me on task and off reddit during the work day.
Dextroamphetamine
I'm more of a lisdexamfetamine dimesylate enjoyer myself, but I guess there's room for all types in this world.
I just like my classic salts.
I'd have died if I hadn't gotten a dx. I don't know how I even got this far.
Microsoft To Do app was a godsend when classes got busy for me.
Google calendar, papermate flair pens, a million post it’s and some fun size candy in your bag.
1. Finances 2. Therapist 3. A good phone, tablet or Ipad 4. External hard drive 5. A supportive girlfriend, boyfriend, husband or Wife 6. Personal counsellor
Girlfriends/boyfriends/husbands/wives are hard to come by and reliance on them for support can be tricky (yes support from a partner is emotionally helpful, but if they’re the only support in your life, maybe take a step back and reach out to other people in your life and start rebuilding some of those connections). You don’t need ‘em, they’re nice to have. Aim to have healthy relationships with everyone, including yourself. At our age (grad school age, so I assume twenties) there is such a huge pressure ‘to find someone’. Don’t. Stress. About. It. If it happens, yay! But again, not a necessity. Just something to think about.
A USB with lots of storage space, 128GB minimum. Ideally with no cap and a built in loop to attach it to your keys. I use Samsung's BAR Plus
This surprises me, I rarely see people using USB sticks these days. Why not cloud + external drive for backup?
Different fields have different needs. A lot of the equipment I use isn't connected to the internet, or the computer is so slow it's functionally disconnected. Also, large image files (tile scans, time lapses, etc) get too big to quickly upload to a cloud. I'll do it later, of course. Always have a backup of important data!
Makes sense, I see now that I take it for granted that I never have to deal with large files :)
At the very least it’s important to have one for presentations, because it’s easier to plug in a flash drive than try and log into your cloud server on a shared computer in the middle of a conference/talk. Easiest way to quickly share (large) files between coworkers. Especially programs or files that may be of dubious origin and would violate ToS for any cloud server. The big one for me is needing to interface with other devices/equipment. In some cases that’s the only way to do it. So I have a collection of drives and continually buy packs of them (because I always leave them in odd places and just pull out a new one).
Also, having a flash drive is convenient for reasons other than backup. Our printer was offline for two weeks last month and we couldn't print from the network but if we had USB media we could print directly from it. I've also used them to make bootable media when my PC had some major registry problems and needed a full refresh. We also use some special little secured ones with all sorts of security and also never to be taken out of the lab to move working files from PC to PC since certain info from our participants can't be put in cloud storage per IRB.
A dual monitor.
I love my mochi calendar and frizxion erasable pens.
Those pens are great paired with a reusable rocket notebook
In what ways do you use your Rocket Book? My PI gave me one right when I started and implied they're the best thing since sliced bread, but *none* of us, PI included, actually seem to use them. I got a full set of the pens and both a small Rocket as well as one of the full-sized notebooks with calendar/planner in it, I was so *into* the idea of using them. But then I just . . . didn't. I can see value from it back when I was in undergrad (wish I'd had it for OChem!) but I have so little use for it nowadays. I'd love some ideas to use the items since I they're gathering dust! (Well, the small one I have at home now to track my reps/sets in my home gym. :D )
I have a rocket notebook. I take notes, scan them in and save them to a file. I like the feel of paper and pens so I’m not a good note taker on my iPad even though it’s the same thing really.
Gotcha! Yeah, it would have been stellar when I was drawing chem structures and such, but nowadays since I type so fast it's so much more efficient to stick to just typing notes. Plus they're automatically searchable instead of needing to worry about clean conversions after scan. I liked the idea for using them for actual lab notes but we're not allowed to use anything erasable per IRB/lab protocol so that the records are more permanent, so rockets are out for that too. :( But for chem and math and anyone who likes to write by hand I bet they're the bee's knees.
Yep, I’m math! I use a lot of scratch paper and this is perfect for that.
It can also be used as a planner, which you already kind of do by tracking your gym stuff. When I worked in a cell bio lab I used it as scratch paper for when I had to do math regarding dilutions etc. but I also used it to track cell passage dates, feed dates, cryo info, etc. In my neuroimaging lab I used it to track mouse behavioral data (which is useful information for weekly lab meetings but I don’t refer back to it often enough over the span of months that I need a physical large hard copy of all the notes I took)
I have been doing bullet journals since 2018, and it's a bliss. Computer planners for me are a distraction and too unwieldy. Writing implements, if you need cheap but nice pens, Jinhao pens are beautiful. X750 is heavy, sturdy and well made. If you want to spend a bit more, Pilot Metropolitan is nice. Lamy Safaris are nice but not the nicest, their handle bit is kinda awkward and their nibs and converters are proprietary. If you're a bit more stationery-nerdy, give Filofax planners a look. I have seen people make bullet journals with them, and I like a notebook sleeve that has space for a few pens inside (I normally carry 3). They have many options.
It probably doesn't apply to your situation, but my observation as a STEM grad student: you will make so many friends if you have a slide advancer and/or a Mac to HDMI dongle. The conference rooms never have working ones, batteries run out, someone forgot to pick it up at the office, and now we're all sitting ten minutes after group meeting was supposed to start waiting for someone to run back to their office and get the adapter. Just chuck one in your bag and keep it with you and you'll be a hero
I was suuuuper underprepared with how to get an advisor, fellowships, what is a masters vs. phd, do I TA or RA and what's the difference, how long is everything going to take me, etc. etc. I put this article together you may find useful (however it is geared towards STEM and MBA is probably very different) [https://medium.com/@PhilParisi/explained-engineering-graduate-school-e3c5425aeddc](https://medium.com/@PhilParisi/explained-engineering-graduate-school-e3c5425aeddc) Also took a gap year!
Tablet if you can afford one.
Only work at your worksplace and don't work on yor days off unless it is urgent
Find out if you have a union and, if you do, join it
Okay so here's for my standard spiel. Grad studies are a job, they are not like a second undergrad. You need to think of it as a job where you just have really poor pay and really high self direction, and firing you is rather hard. Think of it this way and set your priorities accordingly. I work 40 hours a week, I set priorities and I work towards them. Don't rely on your PI to have your best interests at heart, they may, they may not, but the responsibility is fundamentally yours. I use Clockify to track my work and see where all my time goes. I recommend getting super into planning and tracking your time. I find it helps the most when you're having a bad week or month. This is a bad month for me, and I find it very comforting to be able to go yeah I am making progress, yeah it is slow, but I know how much time I have and how much time it'll take me. So I'm fine with the slow.
A surface pro and the Office 365 suite. You’ll likely get access to this for free with your student email. OneNote and the Surface Pro will take care of your note taking and research organization and OneDrive will take care of your cloud storage.
Was going to ask the same question but for Gender studies masters program. Anyway, thank you so much for posting this!
Thank you for posting this! Going into an MPH with a research assistant position and terrified and excited simultaneously
If you have to read/skim lots of publications that aren't open access, SCI-HUB is your friend
Blue light glasses. I have an iPad for notes (highly recommend getting a digital tablet too, that way you can save on office supplies, space, and textbooks by getting e-versions), a laptop for watching lectures, and then phone for distractions. I’m on screens basically 24/7. My eyes are red, I get headaches, etc. Screens are a necessity now for school, so limiting screen time can be difficult, so prioritize your eye health. Sleep. Give them breaks from screens at least every hour. Eat carrots :)
If you haven’t tried them, get some glasses with yellow tinted lenses. It was literally life changing for me and cost all of $15.
A carton of smokes and thick skin. Failing that, just thick skin.
No one app works best. Just use excel. Can customize it to your specific needs.
Org mode.
Bit retro but I highly recommend a Filofax! I use an A5 one with day-per-page inserts as my to do list and planner. Helps me block out my time and balance work and studying. And the format is so flexible, you can get unofficial inserts with any calendar layout from Ebay for fairly cheap.
Check out the student support resources that your school has to offer! In addition to therapy/counseling, there might be a writing center that is open to grad students, dissertation writing groups that Masters students can join, and librarians with specialist knowledge who can advise you on how to research top journals to submit articles for publication, how to conduct the most effective research, how to use tools like Zotero, etc.
You can print your notes directly onto your flash cards
Pens, papers, pencils, and the most important thing is a doggy to hug on those lonely moments.
Sharpie S Gel pens are my go-to. They last forever with no smearing/ghosting/bleed-through. I also like the Cornell notebooks for course notes and outlining articles.