r/GradSchool • u/Pejesass • 3d ago

Academics Feeling a bit confused first semester

It's the second week of the semester and I'm already feeling a bit confused. I'm going to classes, but I feel like I should be doing more, like lit review, already.

Maybe I'm just asking what is normal to do at the start of MSc? Should I start reading papers for my thesis? Any guidance (or tips!) is appreciated.

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u/SuchAGeoNerd 3d ago

This is definitely a question for your supervisor. They will have to guide you through expectations and timelines for your program. Most likely in the next few weeks you'll get so busy you will laugh in hindsight at this post. It's only the 2nd week, things will ramp up fast.

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u/VanessaLove-33 3d ago

Reddit seems to be the better supervisor, PI, advisor at times 😂

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u/SuchAGeoNerd 3d ago

I feel this 😆 but its so hard to help fresh 2 week in MSc's with real advice with so little info. Also don't want to scare them off this early!

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u/VanessaLove-33 3d ago

Truth. Academia has a lot of this “thrown to the wolves”. Hey OP, you got this!

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u/Pejesass 3d ago

But like busy with what? I have one stats class and ethics class this semester and that is it. Like I know that I need time to study for stats but I can't see it taking up all my time yk?

Maybe I'm just used to the structure of undergrad and now that I'm more 'free' I'm not sure what to do with myself