Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

Portrait of graduate student Olivia Grafinger

Olivia Grafinger

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

I would advise a prospective graduate student to do their homework before contacting prospective advisors. Check out their profile on the University website, read their most recent paper, and even reach out to a senior graduate student currently in the lab!    

Portrait of MBIOT Biotechnology at U of Guelph grad student Nathaniel Hoffman

Nathaniel Hoffman

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Soak up as much knowledge as you can from the talented faculty members at the University of Guelph!

U of Guelph Geography grad student Bryce Miller

Bryce Miller

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Don't worry if you're feeling overwhelmed, truth be told, everyone is feeling that way - just take it day by day. 

Portrait of graduate student Grace Teng

Grace Teng

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Pick an advisor you work well with! Or make sure to meet your advisor before committing to doing grad studies with him/her.

Rachana Devkota

Rachana Devkota

About the City of Guelph… 

People are very friendly and kind, and respect each other's culture. I felt like I was at a home away from home. There is not the rush and noise that you find in most cities. Life is…perfect here.

Emily Vis

Emily Vis

About My Advisor...

“My advisor has allowed me to grow as an independent researcher, and ensures I stay on track. I have had a wonderful experience growing into the student I am now. ”

Portrait of graduate student Ashleigh Weeden (PhD, Rural Studies) in the atrium of Mac Donald Stewart Hall at the University of Guelph

Ashleigh Weeden

I am a proud second-generation Gryphon and University of Guelph alumna, having received an Honours Bachelor of Arts in International Development from the U of G in 2008, following in my father's footsteps (Agricultural Engineering '71 and MSc '86). Coming back to Guelph to pursue a doctorate has felt like coming home in all the best ways.

Portrait of graduate student Sarah Robinson

Sarah Robinson

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Graduate school is challenging and chaotic at times; don’t be afraid to seek guidance, whether it’s for academic advice, mental health support, or the best place in the city for live music. 
Imposter syndrome is real, but it can be overcome! Allow yourself time to adjust to graduate school; the dynamic will be very different from undergraduate studies.
Finally, don’t isolate yourself in your research. Reach out to colleagues, develop new friendships, make time for yourself!

MSc Tourism and Hospitality at the University of Guelph graduate student Zhehao Zhao

Zhehao Zhao

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Smart or slow, doesn't really matter in the end, the point is everyone has their own time zone, all you have to have is your own balance of work, play, and all other stuff, the others don't really matter.