Whether you’re fresh out of undergrad, pursuing a career change, or trying to balance class and a full-time job, grad school can be a very individual experience. And while the journey is full of rewarding and inspiring moments, it can also be exhausting and overwhelming. As we head into the new school year, we compiled this list of books, podcasts, and playlists to help you feel ready to take on whatever this journey has in store. From offering career advice, a simple laugh, or the energy to help you finish that last paragraph before bed, these resources are here to help us excel in grad school together.
Books to Inspire and Ground You:
- Grad School Life: Surviving and Thriving Beyond Coursework and Research by Jacqueline M. Kory-Westlund
- This book is all about how to balance the non-academic parts of grad school. It leaves behind the typical advice, like how to apply for jobs and seek out funding, and instead focuses on managing personal finances and maintaining friendships and relationships.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
- With the tagline “The Only Book You Need to Lead You to Success,” it’s no wonder this book has been a bestseller since its original release in 1936. The book will teach “six ways to make people like you, twelve ways to win people to your way of thinking, nine ways to change people without arousing resentment,” and much more.
- Bird by Bird by Ann Lamott
- If you’re a Creative Writing MFA student, odds are you have been urged to read this book before. Based on her own experiences as a writer and teacher, Lamott encourages writers of all ages and skill levels to approach the craft with an open heart and mind, taking it “bird by bird.”
- The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay, PhD
- While Emerson’s graduate student population ranges in ages, this book has become integral for all us twentysomethings navigating big life choices. By combining research from psychologists, neurologists, human resource executives, and more, Jay teaches us how harnessing the unique power of our twenties can change our lives forever.
- The Practice: Shipping Creative Work by Seth Godin
- Like Bird by Bird, this book is perfect for when you may be feeling stuck and need to remember how to consistently produce creative work. And more importantly, Godin focuses on not only finding the courage to make creative work, but how to share it! It can be hard for grad students to feel comfortable putting their work on display, but Godin’s guide teaches us how to “learn to dance with your fear” to ultimately “embrace the empathy required to make work that contributes with authenticity and joy.”
Podcasts to Learn About Yourself and Others:
- “Making it Big In 30 Minutes” hosted by the Emerson Alumni Association
- Designed to be a podcast for, by, and about Emerson alumni, this show spotlights Emerson grads who are inspiring positive change every day. From film producers to comedy writers, this podcast is proof that your time at Emerson sets you up for success.
- “Smosh Reads Reddit Stories”
- Different from some other suggestions on this list, this podcast is simply for comedic relief. With new releases each week, Smosh Reads Reddit Stories is a reliable and hilarious show that doesn’t require any brain power to enjoy. Ideal for long commutes to school!
- “Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain”
- This podcast is perfect for when you feel like you want a late night chat with a big sister or best friend. Emma Chamberlain discusses a range of topics, including how our relationships can change us, how to maximize creativity, and even home decor hacks.
- “Strangers on a Bench” with Tom Rosenthal
- Struggling to come up with characters for your next book or film? This podcast breeds inspiration. Each episode features the host sitting down on a bench with a stranger and listening to their life story. It’s a great way to feel connected to the greater humanity and remind us that every person has their own story to share.
- “The Economics of Everyday Things”
- With short episodes ranging from 15-20 minutes, The Economics of Everyday Things explains the hidden business side of things you may never think about—like emojis, fortune cookies, and more. Great for study breaks, a quick walk outside to clear your head, or solo meals.
- “Help Me Be Me”
- Described as “an emotional toolkit for creating positive change in yourself” and “self-help for people who hate self-help,” this podcast is perfect to dip into when you may need a bit of a perspective shift. Since grad school can be an emotional and even stressful time, it’s important to check in with ourselves and ensure we are cultivating the best version of ourselves.
- “The Overwhelmed Brain” with Paul Colaianni
- Focused on building emotional intelligence and self-worth, this is a reflective podcast that teaches you how to make decisions that are right for you. It focuses on “decluttering the overwhelmed brain” and harnessing your inner power!
Playlists to Soundtrack Your Grad School Life:
- “Unraveling grad school daughter” created by tulipsinthesea
- With 12 hours of moody and reflective hits, this playlist speaks to the edgy grad student inside all of us. Perfect for walking home from class in the glow of Boston’s city lights.
- “Cozy fall instrumental study session” created by aspency
- Can’t work while listening to music with lyrics? Try this instrumental playlist that features music ranging from It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown to Pride and Prejudice.
- “autumn in college 90s early 00s alt rock good will hunting core” by kviley
- The title of this playlist truly speaks for itself. Described as “fall semester in New England, Doc Martens, hot coffee, crunchy leaves, and warm crewnecks,” these songs can turn any study session into a cinematic experience. It’s no wonder it has nearly 50,000 saves on Spotify!
- “Writing a book at 4am” created by sonjacarless
- Caught in the late-night writing grind? Put on this playlist to keep the creative juices flowing. Boasting a mix of instrumental and chill, lyrical songs, this playlist makes you feel a little less alone, even if the rest of the city is still asleep.
- “Rory Gilmore Mode” created by alelelele
- Described as “handpicked instrumental music for studying, reading, and writing,” this playlist encapsulates all the hard work and binging grad school students are constantly doing. Channel your inner studious main character!
While it’s easy to get caught up in the readings and deadlines we have to keep track of in grad school, it’s all about finding the little things that can help keep you motivated and inspired on your individual journey. Whether it’s a renowned book, a silly podcast, or the perfect fall playlist, we hope this guide can be there for you along the way. Don’t forget to enjoy the ride!
Leave a Reply