Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Happy Holidays! The Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies will be closed for in-person and phone services from December 20 to January 5 at 8:30 a.m. During this time, please contact us by email.

The University will be closed from December 24, reopening on Friday, January 2 at 8:30 a.m..

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

Portrait of graduate student Lydia Wang (MSc, Food Science) in the atrium of Mac Donald Stewart Hall at the University of Guelph

Lydia Wang

About Being a Grad Student at U of G… 

Life as a graduate student at UofG is always exciting! Every day brings new experiences, learning opportunities, and challenges. One day, I could be conducting lab work, another day I could be attending classes and finishing assignments, while the next day I could be running sensory tests. At the same time, I am surrounded by smart, curious, and enthusiastic students who are all actively looking for ways to improve life.

Portrait of CJPP graduate student Becky McRae

Becky McRae

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

As a graduate student it is important to be flexible and adaptable to change as you work through your degree. Becoming a graduate student allows you to develop your professional brand, while contributing to academic literature.

Devon McAlpine

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Absolutely take the time to reach out to current students, alumni, and faculty members affiliated with the grad programs of consideration. Your grad school experience will very much be influenced by the people you are surrounded by during your education and the culture of the program. Hearing from other's experiences and talking to current students is one of the best ways to find the right fit for you.

Portrait of Faham Khan

Faham Khan

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Be informed. Always make sure that you understand each and every step of what you're trying to accomplish, but at the same time don't be afraid to plunge into the unknown. Be mindful of what makes you happy, and pursue your goals with a passion because at the end of the day, when we look back at our accomplishments, the gratification from that is what keeps us going.

Headshot of University of Guelph Graduate student Olubiyi (Mark) Ariba

Olubiyi (Mark) Ariba

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Always ask for help. When in doubt, ask; When not in doubt, ask. Enrolment in graduate courses can be very small, and grad life can sometimes feel isolating; so, try to form great bonds with other grad students. You have a lot in common! Try to take some time off to have fun, and when you inevitably encounter students pulling a tractor in September, do the opposite of what I did; and be cool! If you can, participate in the 3-minute thesis competition (3MT); it's a lot of fun!

Portrait of graduate student Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Do your research: on the lab, on the faculty, on the department and on the city itself. There are so many different programs/departments and it's imperative you know what you're getting into. Speak to students that are currently in the lab or have recently graduated to get an idea of how things work. There are going to be some tough times in your program and you want to make sure you're surrounded by people that want to support you and help you get through, to be successful.

U of G Criminal Justice and Public Policy MA Candidate Annalise Kennedy

Annalise Kennedy

Advice for Prospective Grad Students… 

Making relationships with your professors in your undergraduate degree is one of the best decisions you can make.

Gary Csöff

Gary Csöff

What makes Guelph Unique… 

World-class facilities with world-class professors! In addition, the atmosphere of campus and being able to spend each day with truly genuine people!

Portrait of Megan Lalli

Megan Lalli

Words of wisdom for a prospective grad student

Lean in, stay curious, and be open to the opportunities that will come your way. Don't be afraid to reach out to your professors for ideas or support - the faculty affiliated with this program are well connected and eager to continue strengthening their existing networks. Your cohort will also become like family. Don't be afraid to open up and share, ask questions, and provide support for each other. Lastly, embrace all the prompts for reflection. Those are the opportunities to think critically about yourself, your work, and apply meaning to what you've learned. Enjoy the ride!

Shayne Johnston portrait

Shayne Johnston

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

If I could give advice to a prospective grad student, it would be to never be afraid to say "I don't know".