some pieces of advice from me to you

Having earned my PhD from a US university as an international student, if you are a new graduate student in the U.S. this semester, here are some pieces of advice from me to you based on my personal experience.

1. Please check your emails with diligence.
I understand that emails can feel overwhelming, with so many updates, announcements, and newsletters coming at you at once, but therein lie a lot of opportunities. Some people get free money, fellowships, job openings, and event invitations simply by staying on top of their emails. This was a game-changer for me. I can trace some of my most impactful opportunities to checking my emails consistently and not skipping the ones that seemed too long or irrelevant. You can choose a day, maybe weekends or quiet weekday nights, to catch up and go through those emails intentionally. Don’t underestimate them. I found out about awards, grants, leadership roles, paid research participant opportunities and programs simply because I made it a habit to read all my emails.

2. Take advantage of campus resources early.
I realized too late that I didn’t fully explore or utilize many of the support systems my campus had to offer. From writing centers and career services to mentorship programs and professional development workshops on insightful topics, there are so many things available that students often don’t know about until their final year. Don’t let that be you. Visit those offices, ask questions, and plug in early.

3. Document your journey.
Keep a record of your achievements, involvement, awards, and impact. This will make things easier when you are applying for grants, fellowships, or even jobs. You don’t want to forget your milestones or scramble for evidence at the last minute. This helped me win a lot of awards, particularly the Chegg Global Student Prize, which required 4,000 words. Celebrate your journey. No win is too small. Surviving your first semester, getting published, winning an award, or simply staying sane, each one is worth acknowledging. You are doing your best, and that matters.

4. Apply even when you don’t feel “fully ready.”
So many people disqualify themselves from awards, conferences, or positions because they think they are not good enough yet. I have learned that growth comes from trying even when you are unsure. Let the committee be the one to decide, not your fear. I sat on some school award committees and realized that sometimes only three people apply for certain awards, so please apply.

5. Please do not hoard information.
I have heard cases where people hoard opportunities from others. All the awards I own, I shared them with others even when I myself was applying. It fulfills me to share opportunities with others. Those you share with will always remember you when they harness them.

Kindly check the comment section for more.

Kindly add to this if you know more tips or advice that could help incoming students succeed.