The myths of doing a master’s degree and how to master its mindset

The transition to a new year excites many of us. It is a fresh opportunity to do things differently and, perhaps, for the first time, accomplish a long-postponed New Year’s resolution.

Unlike a bachelor’s, a master’s is an intensive one-year programme with a heavier workload

I recently completed the first term of my master’s degree at the University of Warwick. There is a sense of thrill in seeing how quickly time has flown since the start of an intensive course. Nevertheless, there is a sense of apprehension about the coming months ahead. The lifestyle section has got you covered, and in this article, I will share my experience of doing a master’s degree at Warwick and tricks and tips to succeed.

Myth one: a master’s is the same as a bachelor’s degree
A master’s degree does not equal a bachelor’s one. So, the magic tricks that got you through your bachelor’s may not necessarily apply here. Unlike a bachelor’s, a master’s is an intensive one-year programme with a heavier workload. It prepares you for a full-time job by encouraging discussions, debates, and problem-solving. The work itself may not always be harder, but juggling multiple tasks simultaneously is a challenge.

With group projects, individual assignments, lectures, workshops, exams, and other commitments, it is very easy to get burdened and lost on what to prioritise. Therefore, my first tip would be to invest in housekeeping. Whether it is creating a Google Calendar, Excel spreadsheet, or to-do list, dedicate enough time for these tasks and assign day-specific goals by blocking out days for university work and extracurricular activities. There will be days when we are less productive and don’t finish our desired goals – this is okay. Always setting realistic goals that you can complete is key and making sure you account for buffer zones in your calendar can be an effective way to plan your time effectively. The key is consistency, not perfection.

At times, it may be overwhelming, and one may experience highs and lows, procrastination, and struggle to remain motivated. Something that has really helped me is to journal my thoughts by writing down how I feel and tracking my feelings throughout the week. This helps to identify when you need a break and dedicate more time to focus on your mental wellbeing.

Myth two: making friends will be easy
During my bachelor’s degree at Warwick, I found it relatively easy to make new friends and meet new people. I quickly became acquainted with my friends during Welcome Week, we had common interests – such as being a Swiftie – and attended our classes together. I would see them regularly and we would always keep planning our next outing, movie night, dinner, club night, and what-not. Even during my seminars and lectures, I would be the one to talk to my friends and peers either about my degree or anything else. I thought the same techniques could be applied here and make my life easier when adjusting to the new social experiences of a master’s degree.

Initially, I struggled to break the ice with students in my master’s cohort. Many of my friends from my bachelor’s degree had moved on to work or pursued master’s degrees elsewhere. My new classmates came from diverse backgrounds, ages, and work experiences, making it harder to find common ground. My cohort size during my bachelor’s degree was 600+ as compared to my master’s, one of 300+. This meant meeting new people was challenging as my modules’ seminar cohort remained fixed for most of the term.

Making friends in different settings does result in its share of unique challenges, but it is important to embrace them as they form part of your educational experience. Having studied at an international school for most of my life, I know how it feels to have friends move away and miss them deeply. However, I have always been grateful for these experiences – they taught me how to adapt, build, and cherish connections.

My best tip is to go out of your comfort zone when meeting people and maintaining your friendships. Sit with a new person in each class and ask them questions about the module, life background, interests, and future career goals to keep the conversation going. Actively listening to what they’re saying is key. Making sure you can contribute to the discussion and grabbing a cup of coffee after class are simple and easy ways to help build the connection. As a master’s student burdened with other priorities, sometimes attending socials and department events can be time-consuming, so incorporating new meetups during your academic routine can help to broaden your connections.

It is important to continue to foster your prior friendships. Setting up weekly calls with a different friend each week has proven effective for me in maintaining contact with my friends in different locations. Meeting up with friends at a central point, such as London, to have a catchup lunch, coffee, or dinner can be an informal setting to reconnect and rebuild fun memories. These small efforts can make a big difference in the long run in building healthy and long-term relationships and have known effects of boosting your mood and motivation to approach our daily life hustles.

Doing a master’s degree is about building a personal connection with yourself and what you would like to achieve in the future

Myth three – socialising is the only way to have fun
A final myth worth debunking is the idea that constant socialising is necessary for an enjoyable experience. Sometimes, we get so caught up in making new friends and getting to know other people, that we fail to nurture our relationship with ourselves. One of the most powerful learnings from my master’s degree is valuing my personal time and doing things I enjoy. While I love spending time with my friends, I have also learned to cherish moments alone.

Doing a master’s degree is about building a personal connection with yourself and what you would like to achieve in the future. Embracing your own time, whether it is studying in the library, doing your hobbies, ordering your favourite cappuccino and toastie sandwich in your nearby coffee shop, or listening to your edgy playlists, offers you precious time to reconnect, enjoy your company, and recharge. There is nothing wrong with that and having a balance of both keeps our lives more meaningful and engaging.

A master’s degree is more than an academic challenge, it is an opportunity for personal growth. By embracing its highs and lows, you create a powerful story unique from previous chapters of your life. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Embrace yours.