Attending orientation marked the official start of a brand-new chapter for me. It came with excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of unknowns. Having just moved across the country to begin my PhD program, I felt both eager and anxious. The weight of entering a doctoral program was very real. There is a certain complexity to this environment that can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. But orientation helped ease that transition in ways I didn’t fully realize until later.
One of the biggest highlights was meeting my cohort early on. There was something grounding about connecting with people who were about to go through the same experience. We were all navigating similar questions, and having that time to get to know each other before classes started created a sense of comfort. Those early conversations turned into study groups, check-ins, and friendships I’ve continued to rely on throughout the program.
It was also incredibly helpful that some students had lived in Massachusetts or were from the area. They gave great recommendations on places to eat, where to study, and how to navigate the city. That made settling in feel a little less intimidating and a lot more exciting.
Another part of orientation that stood out was hearing from faculty and learning more about their research. Even though it was just an overview, getting a sense of what people were working on helped me start thinking about where my own interests might fit in. Later, when it came time to look for mentors or explore research opportunities, I felt more confident reaching out.
If I could offer one piece of advice to new students, it would be to lean into orientation. Talk to people, ask questions, and don’t worry if you’re feeling unsure. Orientation isn’t just about getting information, it’s a chance to build relationships and start finding your place in the program. Even the small things, like grabbing coffee with a classmate or jotting down a faculty name that interests you, can go a long way later on.
Looking back, I’m grateful for that time and space to transition into this next chapter. Orientation helped me feel more prepared, more connected, and more grounded in this journey.