So you're coming to USC...
Not to worry! We'll get you through it painlessly, with enough time to tour the sights before classes begin...
1. Get into a new apartment. Check out the NGF Housing Guide for help!
2. Contact & meet with a potential first rotation advisor.
3. Establish a bank account -- Bank of America and the USC Credit Union are the most conveniently located.
4. Set up a USC Email Account.
5. Get a USC ID Card at the Commons so that you can use the Libraries!
6. Register for Classes (check out the NGF Course Guide), then purchase books.
7. For some, get a driver's license at the ever-exciting California DMV.
8. Go have fun! Some LA Info here...
And some links...
Resources
& Advice for Students
How
to be a Good Graduate Student
Book Recommendations...
- Barkland, K. At the Bench.
This book starts from day 1 of lab experience and gives practical guidance on how to set up experiments, document the data as well as information on how to develop interpersonal laboratory skills.
- Barkland, K. At the Helm: A Laboratory Navigator.
Geared towards the young P.I., this book contains information that should be taught in your last year of grad school or during the post-doc period.
- Peters, RL. Getting What you Came For: A smart student's guide to earning a master's or Ph.D.
This has a lot of good, detailed advice, but it isn't directed solely towards graduate degrees in science. The best basic book I have seen, with good solid advice that applies to many fields. Lots of good advice on how to strengthen your organizational skills to make the best out of graduate school. In addition to graduate school coping skills, this book has entire chapters on what graduate school is like, deciding if you need to go, and how to choose where you want to go and who to work with.
- Feibelman, PJ. A PhD is not Enough: A Guide to Survival in Science
This is an AWESOME book for writing advice.