Building Community for Graduate School Success

Starting a graduate or professional program at the University of Arizona means stepping into a vibrant, driven community where innovation and student success are foundational. Yet within such a driven, fast-paced environment, it can be challenging for many graduate students (me included) to slow down and make space for new connections.

As the expectations and pressure of graduate school build, it’s easy to underestimate the importance of cultivating your own community. Early in my program I received a piece of advice that has stayed with me: the people who surround you are just as instrumental to your success as the knowledge you gain. 

Community matters because it sustains your well-being, provides encouragement during stressful times, and helps you navigate the unspoken parts of graduate school. It also opens doors to professional opportunities—through collaboration, mentorship, or simply hearing about resources you might have otherwise missed. In short, the right connections not only make graduate school more manageable, they make it more meaningful.

Here are a few ways you can foster lasting relationships throughout your graduate journey:

Be Where Like-Minded People Are

Whether you are in your first year of a PhD program or the final stretch of law school, socializing offers more than just a break from the grind. Building connections not only supports your professional development, but also reminds you of who you are when things get stressful. One of the best ways to start is simply showing up where other like-minded people are. 

If you’re looking for peers who truly understand the unique challenges of graduate school, CAPS Graduate Student Support Groups are a great place to start. For those interested in advocacy and shaping the graduate and professional student experience, consider getting involved with the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSC). 

You can also find like-minded peers in spaces connected to your identity, interests, or regional networks, like on campus clubs or intramural sports teams. Be sure to also explore options beyond campus—national organizations in your field can help you grow your professional network and meet others who share your interests.

Be Open to New Connections

Many of the most valuable friendships I’ve built during graduate school happened because I allowed myself to be open to them. It can feel easier to keep to yourself, but reaching out can ease some of the stress and uncertainty that comes with the graduate school experience. 

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Start small: strike up a conversation with other students in your program or reach out to peers in other departments, or create a group chat to share resources, make plans, and stay connected. Campus events are another great way to meet people in a low-pressure setting. Grad SPACE, Grad CAFE, and GPSC social events are designed to bring graduate and professional students together in welcoming and fun environments. Personally, I’m looking forward to the next GradSPACE event, where you might just catch me singing some very off-key karaoke.

Take a Break Once in a While 

Graduate and professional school is demanding, which makes balance all the more important. Something as simple as grabbing coffee with classmates, video chatting a friend during lunch, or stepping away from your desk for a short walk can be restorative and strengthen your connections with others.

It’s also worth checking in with friends and family outside of your program. Even if they don’t fully understand the grind of graduate school, they can remind you of who you are beyond your role as a student.

And if you’re ever looking for a place to step away from work for a moment, connect with peers, and explore resources, the Graduate Center is here for you. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is give yourself space to reset and reconnect.