How to Find Time to Reflect and Make Meaning

Campus life for those of us in the Graduate School at Princeton can be magical. Bustling student activities come to life, every corner holds a new learning adventure, and the vibrant community makes every experience enchanting.

But what’s the best way to embrace the magic? Here’s your guide to diving into campus life and making the most of every moment.

Stay aware of the purpose

You are and will be more than your research dissertation. Outside of the lab and classroom you will still need to conquer the greatest research question of all: Who are you?

Engaging in campus life is a great way to embark on a journey of self-discovery. There are countless clubs centered on special interests, workshops to sharpen skills or affinity groups to celebrate your cultural identity. If you can’t find your place among these groups, though don’t despair! Princeton has the resources available to help you create your own community group as well, with funding available to help convene a group and bring your ideas to life.

Gather data and network

The Graduate School brims with opportunities to engage, but where to find them?

Every graduate student has access to MyPrincetonU, a campus engagement platform that shows upcoming events, the groups hosting them and even a system to message other students, an Instagram of sorts. Some of the student groups that I highly suggest checking out are: GradFUTURES, the Access, Diversity, and Inclusion Department (ADI), and the Graduate Student Government. These three groups host events on almost a weekly basis, including professional development workshops, community-building activities and social events, respectively. Just click join in MyPrincetonU or stay up to date with their calendars.

Important Note: The Graduate Student Government also has a database of university resources geared to graduate students from yoga classes to health insurance FAQ’s. They also have a Slack channel to engage with other graduate students on campus you can join from the website.

Engage in self-reflection

With the myriad of activities on campus, it’s crucial to set aside time for self-care and to reflect on your experiences.

My time away from research not only energizes me but also helps me stay grounded. To enhance my work, I deliberately schedule breaks to help me pause and take in recent experiences. As a STEM researcher, I participate in English colloquiums, art installations and meditation retreats. These activities often become a source of inspiration, allowing me to step into different perspectives. Approaching topics with both curiosity and a relaxed sense of self allows me to have a greater propensity for innovation.

Discuss with peers

Sharing experiences with friends can enhance understanding and broaden impact.

Graduate school is an incredible time to forge lifelong friendships. I’ve met amazing people here outside of my department and research group who share my interests, and I affectionately call them my Board of Trustees. Graduate school can be challenging, but the mutual support from friendships dispels self-doubt and develops empathy. Often, the same peers with which you build community become your future colleagues and a source of scholarly motivation. 

Ultimately, these connections and experiences not only enrich my academic journey but also lay the foundation for a fulfilling and collaborative professional life. Don’t hesitate to venture beyond your academics and into Campus Life — and make the most of all the available resources.