Life As A Graduate Student: Stressors, Mental Health Tips, And More

Whether you’ve finished college and have your bachelor’s degree or are still in school and looking ahead, the idea of going to graduate school may have crossed your mind. Pursuing a graduate degree may help you expand your skills and qualify for certain professions, but you might be curious about the challenges you could face as a grad student. Below, explore the realities of grad school, common mental health concerns among graduate students, and tips for taking care of yourself if you decide to pursue an advanced degree. 

What does graduate education look like?

Some graduates start working after college, but others may want to take their studies further. Graduate studies let students continue their education after finishing their bachelor’s degree. Some professions, like law and medicine, require a graduate degree. You might also choose to go to graduate school to gain more knowledge in your chosen field or enhance your resume. Types of graduate degrees include the following. 

Master’s degrees

Master’s programs provide a deeper focus on a specific area of study, such as fine arts or business. Some colleges offer special programs that let students get both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in five years. However, individual master’s degrees typically take around two years to complete. 

Doctorate degrees

Doctorate degrees are sometimes called “doctoral degrees.” These degrees are more advanced than master’s degrees and often take several years to complete. Doctorate students are often expected to conduct research in their chosen field and publish their findings. 

Other graduate programs

Other graduate degrees include professional degrees and postgraduate certificates. Professional degrees provide training for specific careers, such as law or medicine. In contrast, postgraduate certificates are shorter programs that let graduates deepen their studies without pursuing a full degree. 

Is there a difference between being a graduate student and being a postgraduate student?

How is university different when pursuing a master’s or doctorate degree?

Some undergraduate students may wonder whether they can expect a similar college experience during grad school. Understanding what life is like as a graduate student may be useful if you’re considering taking the next step in your academic career. Below are a few potential differences between life as an undergraduate student and life as a graduate student.

Graduate university programs are often smaller

Graduate programs typically have fewer students than undergraduate programs. As a result, you may attend smaller, more intimate classes rather than large lectures. Graduate classes often focus more on group discussions, allowing students to build more of a relationship with their professors (and each other). 

Graduate education tends to be more specific

Undergraduate students often take general education classes and electives to get their bachelor’s degrees. In graduate school, classes tend to be specific to your major. As a result, you may be able to explore your area of study in more depth than you would as an undergraduate. 

You may do more research as a postgraduate student

Graduate degrees often focus more on independent study and research. As an undergraduate, you might take four to six classes per semester, while you might take half that many in graduate school. Outside class, you may be expected to complete research projects and manage your own coursework. Some graduate degree programs also require you to complete a thesis project or dissertation throughout your studies. 

Unique challenges you may face in graduate school

Pursuing graduate studies can be a chance to gain valuable credentials and access to a broader range of career options. However, graduate school can also bring challenges to which you might not have been exposed as an undergraduate. Examples include the following. 

The financial strain of being a new graduate student

As of 2023, a two-year graduate degree can cost $100,000 or more. Some graduate students may offset these costs through research grants or part-time work, but others may take out loans to pay for their tuition. Student debt can create a sense of pressure to finish your degree and find a well-paying job, contributing to stress throughout grad school. Carrying additional debt from your bachelor’s degree may intensify this stress more. 

The stress of teaching classes

A growing number of graduate students are also employed by their schools, where they might assist with research or teach classes. Working as a student instructor can be a way to offset the costs of tuition and gain work experience. However, teaching can pose its own set of challenges, as not all student instructors receive preparation beforehand. Some may be expected to create lesson plans and grade assignments independently, which can create additional stress.

Juggling research, classwork, family, health, and wellness

Even if you don’t have a part-time job, you may still be busy during graduate school. Grad students are often expected to do their classwork and research on their own schedule. Balancing these academic demands with hobbies, relationships, and self-care can be challenging. If you’re one of the millions of grad students who is also a parent, you may face an even more demanding schedule. 

Exploring the effects of grad school on mental health and wellness

Understanding how the challenges of graduate school can affect mental health may help you decide whether to continue your studies—and how to best maintain your mental health if you do. In 2022, the American College Health Association found that 77% of graduate and professional students experienced higher-than-average stress levels. Chronic stress has been linked to mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, as well as adverse health effects like headaches, heart disease, sleep issues, and weight changes. 

While no two students are the same, and everyone reacts differently to stress, studies support that graduate students may face higher rates of mental illness. In 2018, researchers found that graduate students were over six times more likely than the general population to experience depression and anxiety. Two years later, the COVID-19 pandemic saw rates of graduate student mental illness increase by over 10%. 

Tips for taking care of yourself as a new graduate student

Reading about the mental health effects of graduate school can be intimidating, especially if you’re still deciding whether to begin. However, know that mental illness and stress may not be inevitable. The following tips may help you limit these effects and find success as a grad student:

• Schedule your tasks at the beginning of each week to save yourself the effort of deciding what to work on and when. 
• Break large assignments down into smaller daily and weekly tasks. 
• Practice turning down tasks that don’t support your goals and well-being. 
• Communicate often with your professors and ask for guidance. 
• Schedule time each day for activities that help you recharge, even for a few minutes.
• Connect with your peers to socialize, collaborate on projects, and support one another. 
• Get regular physical activity, eat nutritious meals, and avoid relying on alcohol or drugs to manage stress.
• Set work-life boundaries, and avoid dwelling on your schoolwork when spending time with your family or loved ones.

Mental health resources for graduate students

If you experience stress or other concerns during grad school, you might wonder where to find help. Resources are available for managing mental health challenges. If you’re not sure where to turn, consider starting with the following options: 

• Your advisor: Graduate programs often require students to have a faculty advisor. Your advisor may offer advice, support, and strategies for managing your workload.  
• Your student health center: Some colleges offer on-campus mental health support. You may be able to book counseling sessions through your student health website, although appointments may not always be available right away.
• Your employer: If you’re working part-time during grad school, you may be able to access counseling through employee assistance programs (EAPs) or your employee health insurance.
• Mental health hotlines: If you are seeking immediate support, you can contact 24-hour helplines like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or the Crisis Text Line. 

Other support options 

Some US adults with unmet mental healthcare needs don’t seek treatment due to cost. For graduate students facing high tuition costs, online therapy may be a more affordable way to get care. Platforms like BetterHelp can be more affordable, often costing under $100 a week. In addition, online platforms provide unique resources included in each member’s subscription, such as support groups, journaling prompts, worksheets, and goal-tracking features. 

Studies show that online therapy may improve graduate students’ mental health. In a 2021 study, 263 graduate students participated in a brief online program to support their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority found the program helpful and saw improvements in their sense of control.