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. I hope they serve as guideposts and comfort throughout your journey. 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. 6. Know your “why.” Some people already know they are going into academia; others are more industry- or nonprofit-focused. Whatever your path is, be intentional from the beginning. Your strategy will be different depending on your destination. Attend relevant conferences, build networks, and tailor your work toward that vision. At the same time, remember that sometimes we don’t get exactly what we want at the beginning, and that is okay. Keep working, keep learning, and your path will eventually meet your passion. 7. Say yes to leadership. I gained so much from serving in student leadership positions. It helped me grow in confidence, develop new skills, and connect with campus stakeholders I may never have met otherwise. Even if it feels daunting, take that chance. You will be surprised by how much you grow. 8. Build your personal brand. It can be through blogging, social media, public speaking, or volunteering. Let people know what you care about and what you are working on. For me, advocacy through writing gave me visibility and helped me build a network of like-minded changemakers. Yes, some did not build any brand and still thrived quietly, but we all have different paths. 9. For my Nigerian folks, find and harness the Nigerian or African community on campus. For me, this was a turning point. Joining the Nigerian Students Association made me feel at home. I found a tribe, people who checked on me, encouraged me, and shared useful information. It transformed my graduate school experience entirely. Of course, I also saw people who preferred to stay on their own and not mingle with Nigerians or other Africans, and that worked for them. So do what works for you. Personally, I know that if I hadn’t joined the Nigerian community, my life in grad school would have been a nightmare. 10. Share what you learn with others. One of the most fulfilling things I did was mentor others and pay it forward. As you gain insight, lift someone else up. It builds community and multiplies impact. 11. Seek out international experiences or global conversations. Participate in programs that connect you with people from other countries and cultures. It expands your thinking and can open unexpected doors. Many of my leadership opportunities and recognitions stemmed from engaging beyond just the classroom. 12. Network across disciplines. Don't just stick to your department. Attend public lectures, workshops, and campus events from different fields. Some of my most valuable connections and collaborations came from people outside my field of study. 13. Practice self-compassion. Graduate school is not a race. You will see people publishing more, speaking more, or achieving more than you. Resist the urge to compare. Everyone has a different journey. Focus on your own growth and be kind to yourself. You may see some students working all night and spending overnight hours in the lab because of the demands of their research, and you might feel intimidated. Their journey necessitates that based on their research focus. Know your own journey and follow it. Your journey is equally valid and important. Imposter syndrome is real, especially when navigating a new academic and cultural system. Affirm yourself and your worth. Also, sometimes what you are feeling isn’t imposter syndrome, it may be a sign that you genuinely need to reevaluate and adjust some of your personal and professional goals to better fit the new US academic system. Be intentional about your growth, ask questions, and remain open to learning. Your journey is valid, and it is okay to grow as you go. 14. Take breaks. Rest is part of productivity. Burnout is real. Learn how to unplug, enjoy simple moments, and take care of your mental and physical health. 15. Learn how to speak up. Don’t suffer in silence. If you’re struggling emotionally, academically, or financially, ask for help. Whether from professors, peers, advisors, or counselors, there is often help available, but you need to reach out. Being vulnerable isn’t a weakness. It is courage. 16. Respect cultural differences. You are in a new country with different norms, values, and unspoken rules. Take time to listen, observe, and understand. Being open-minded will help you adapt, make meaningful connections, and avoid unnecessary conflict. There are cultural shocks, so please learn. 17. Find people who are ahead of you and learn from them. Mentorship can change your entire journey. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out for guidance. Those who have walked the path before you can save you from avoidable mistakes and point you toward the right opportunities. 18. For my fellow non-STEM people, this one is for you. There were times I felt like I didn’t matter in a space that was heavily dominated by STEM fields. At a STEM-heavy university, many events, facilitators, and career fairs centered around engineering, computer science, and data-related programs. It is easy to feel like an afterthought. But you matter. Your work matters. Seek out your own opportunities, attend interdisciplinary programs, and don’t let anyone make you feel less than. For those in liberal arts universities, this may be different. When people tell you that getting a green card or finding a job is hard because you are not in a STEM field, don’t give up. It may be harder, yes, but it is possible. People have done it, and you can too. What helped me was being intentional about building a portfolio, taking part in extracurricular activities, and making myself visible through leadership and advocacy. 19. If you feel like pivoting into a STEM or data-related field as a non-STEM student, and it fits your long-term goals, go for it. I won’t discourage you from doing so. This is a STEM-oriented country, and many opportunities are structured around that reality. Please don’t pivot out of fear or pressure. Do so with clarity, strategy, and purpose. 20. Finally, for those of faith, hold on to it. Not everyone is religious or spiritual, and I fully acknowledge and respect that. For me, holding on to my faith in God carried me through some of the toughest moments. Grad school can be emotionally and mentally demanding. There were times I felt like giving up. Holding on to scriptures, praying, and affirming how far God had brought me gave me the strength to keep going. Faith gave me perspective when things didn’t make sense and helped me focus on the bigger picture. Bonus: For those trying to balance career and relationships, honest communication is essential. Sometimes, partners who aren’t in grad school might not fully grasp the intense demands of your research and workload. Be patient and open when explaining your schedule and commitments. This helps them understand what you are going through. Reassure them by sharing your schedule and priorities and let them know you value the relationship even amid the busy times. I acknowledge that some people are not seeking opportunities, and our journeys may be different. This is for those who will find it helpful. Wishing you all the best. Kindly add to this if you know more tips or advice that could help incoming students succeed and navigate their new academic environment. #Repost