Welcome, future scholars, to the thrilling world of postgraduate studies! But hey, before we dive into the academic adventures, let’s spice things up with a little pre-game prep, shall we? 

The first thing I want to tell you that the key to thriving in this international adventure is to prepare your mindset. Actually, last week, I attended events related to consulting about PGT courses. I noticed that everyone is brimming with anticipation for their future academic journey, but I also listened to some concerns. The first thing I said to them was, “Just do it, what’s there to fear before it even happens?” Embrace the unknown, let everything unfold, and march forward courageously. So, be confident and chant the mantra – “All things happening are conspiring in my favor!”, and enjoy your master adventure journey! 

After gearing up mentally, the next big thing is mastering time management. Whether it’s undergrad or heading into postgrad, it’s a game-changer. In postgrad, especially PGT courses, expect fewer scheduled classes, putting more responsibility on your shoulders to independently allocate study time. During undergrad, tight schedules had me chasing deadlines. In postgrad, learning to self-discipline is crucial. Crafting a realistic plan is key. Break tasks down, set achievable deadlines, and avoid last-minute rushes. With this skill, you’ll strike a better balance between studies and personal interests, making your postgrad journey more fulfilling. 

Thirdly, let’s chat about language because, as an international student, learning in a second language is indeed a challenge. In the initial classes, understanding lectures was quite a struggle for me. However, after a few months of living here, I’ve made significant progress. What I want to emphasize is that, aside from the environmental factor, additional learning efforts are still essential. So, I recommend international postgrads to attend classes at the university that teach writing and presentation skills. It’s super practical—I found my paper-writing process became much clearer after taking these courses. Also, repeat what the professor says in class—it helps buffer info in your brain. And hey, don’t be shy to speak English; confidence is the key to progress. 

Next up, let’s talk loneliness. Honestly, it’s been a constant companion for me, regardless of how busy or social I am. Building deep friendships in a year as an international postgrad is tough. Many times, I felt like I couldn’t connect deeply with anyone. If any of you are feeling this way, face it, deal with it, don’t escape into meaningless socializing. Our loneliness often stems from a lack of soulful conversations. So why not talk to yourself? You know you best. Learn to please yourself, maybe through writing or doing things that bring joy, instead of constantly seeking outside. 

Finally, let’s talk life after postgrad – even before it begins! Why? Because postgrad life is a blink-and-you-miss-it year. Consider your path – more studies or diving into the job market. My tip? Decide beforehand. That way, when postgrad life kicks in, you’re ready to roll – be it crafting a Ph.D. plan or polishing your CV for job hunting. Plan ahead, and let your postgrad journey be a seamless transition to what lies beyond. 

Fantastic! Get ready, embark on the PGT journey! Wishing you incredible success and endless exploration! 

Written by Hao Yu, a Music (Musicology) MusM student

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