The best resources for graduate students

Graduate school is an exciting journey but also one of intense demands—academically, financially, and emotionally. Balancing coursework, research, and sometimes teaching responsibilities can leave students feeling overwhelmed and stressed. But fortunately, there is an array of resources that can help graduate students not only survive but thrive. 

This guide introduces the best resources for graduate students, covering every major aspect of the graduate school experience. Whether you’re looking for a support network, academic and research aids, career guidance, or tools to stay organized, these resources can help lighten the load and pave the way toward success. 

Academic and research tools

Google Scholar and JSTOR: For any graduate student, Google Scholar is a must-use resource for finding scholarly articles, conference papers, theses, and more. JSTOR is another invaluable digital library containing scholarly articles, books, and primary sources. 

Mendeley and  Zotero: Citation management tools like Mendeley and Zotero are essential for students dealing with large volumes of research. Mendeley allows students to organize their research papers, add notes, and share materials with collaborators. Zotero integrates with Microsoft Word and Google Docs, making it easier to insert citations directly into documents.

Grammarly and Hemingway Editor: Writing is a key component of graduate studies, and tools like Grammarly and Hemingway help improve clarity, grammar, and readability. Grammarly offers suggestions on grammar, tone, and structure, making it a helpful resource for academic writing and email communication. Hemingway Editor, meanwhile, is ideal for simplifying complex language and making sure writing is accessible. 

Overleaf: Overleaf is an online LaTeX editor that makes it easy to collaborate and produce high-quality, professional-looking documents, particularly for STEM fields that require complex formatting. It’s also conveniently cloud-based. 

Career and networking resources

LinkedIn: LinkedIn is essential for networking and exploring career opportunities. Grad students can join LinkedIn groups relevant to their field to engage in discussions and stay updated on industry trends. LinkedIn Learning also offers a range of courses on soft skills, industry-specific skills, and leadership. 

ResearchGate: ResearchGate is a professional network designed for academics and researchers. By setting up a profile, graduate students can follow prominent researchers, access articles, and participate in discussions on the latest studies. The platform also allows students to ask questions directly to other scholars in the field. 

Handshake: This career network partners with universities to provide students with access to internship and job listings tailored for students and recent graduates. Many organizations post directly on Handshake when they’re specifically seeking graduate students, making it an ideal platform for grad students. Handshake also offers virtual career fairs, events, and resume-building tools. 

Academic conferences: Attending academic conferences, whether virtually or in-person, is one of the best ways for grad students to network with other professionals and experts in their field. Organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) or American Public Health Association (APHA) offer student discounts to their conferences, where students can present their research, attend workshops, and explore emerging trends. 

Funding and financial resources

FastWeb and Scholarships.com: FastWeb and Scholarships.com are popular scholarship search engines that cater to students at all academic levels, including graduate students. Both platforms allow users to create profiles that help match them to scholarships based on their academic field, demographics, and financial need. Both platforms are free to use, but students should be prepared to sort through a large volume of opportunities and stay proactive in applying early to improve their chances.

Federal student aid: Grad students are eligible for federal student loans, though it’s important to note that they no longer qualify for subsidized loans, which accrue interest while students are in school. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Grad PLUS Loan are common options for financing grad school. Students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to access federal loans, and some universities also use FAFSA data to determine eligibility for additional institutional aid.

Grants.gov: For grad students involved in research, Grants.gov is a key resource for finding grants funded by U.S. government agencies. These grants often support projects in areas like public health, science, education, and technology. Navigating the platform can take time, as it’s designed for a wide range of grant seekers.

Mental health and wellness resources

BetterHelp and Talkspace: Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace make mental health support accessible to students, especially those with busy schedules who may not have time for in-person appointments. Both platforms offer flexible communication options, including live chat, video, and phone sessions. 

Headspace and Calm: These mindfulness and meditation apps are widely used for stress management and mental wellness. Headspace offers guided meditations, sleep aids, and mini-meditations that can fit into busy days, while Calm provides a library of relaxing sounds, breathing exercises, and sleep stories. Both apps offer student discounts and trial periods to make their services more accessible.

University counseling services: Most universities offer free or low-cost counseling services to graduate students, which can be an essential support network. University counseling centers may offer short-term individual therapy, group therapy, and workshops on topics like stress management, anxiety, and coping strategies. 

Online communities and support groups

The GradCafe: The GradCafe is a popular forum for graduate students to discuss everything from application processes to coursework. It’s especially useful for prospective students to gain insights into specific programs by reading firsthand accounts. 

Reddit: Reddit offers a few subreddits tailored to grad students. In r/GradSchool, students can ask questions and share advice on every aspect of grad school life, from balancing coursework and personal life to mental health tips. In r/AskAcademia, grad students can connect with professors and professionals for broader insights on careers in academia, publishing, and post-grad employment. 

Slack groups and Discord servers: Many academic programs now host their own Slack or Discord channels, which function like online networking lounges where students can connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas. For instance, the “Academic Writing” community on Slack is a great space for getting feedback on work.

Time management and productivity tools

Trello, Notion, and Asana: These project management tools are designed to help users organize tasks, manage projects, and collaborate. Trello uses a card and board system to visually track tasks and progress, which is helpful for managing research projects and coursework. Notion offers a more comprehensive approach, combining notes, to-do lists, and databases, making it popular for students who prefer an all-in-one organization tool. Asana is especially useful for collaborative projects, as it allows teams to assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor progress. 

Pomodoro timers: The Pomodoro Technique involves working in focused bursts (usually 25 minutes) followed by short breaks. Apps like Focus Booster and Forest are designed to help users stay on track by timing these intervals. 

Habitica: Habitica is a unique productivity tool that gamifies tasks by turning them into in-game challenges and rewards. Students can create to-do lists, habits, and goals, earning points and leveling up by completing tasks. 

Writing and dissertation help

Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab): The Purdue OWL is a widely respected resource for academic writing and is especially useful for graduate students working on research papers and dissertations. The website offers guidance on grammar, punctuation, and various citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago), as well as specialized advice for research papers. 

The Thesis Whisperer: The Thesis Whisperer is a blog and resource hub specifically aimed at helping graduate students sort through the challenges of thesis and dissertation writing. The blog covers topics like time management and productivity, alongside practical tips on structuring and editing a thesis. 

University writing centers: Nearly all universities offer writing centers that provide feedback on writing at any stage of development. Writing centers typically have tutors who can help students improve their writing style, refine their arguments, and follow proper citation formats. 

Get the support you need for graduate school

Graduate school is a challenging chapter, but with the right support and resources, it can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. These resources are designed to help students tackle their responsibilities with confidence. 

Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University’s Graduate Student Resources page can also connect you to financial assistance, on-campus employment opportunities, and other assistance.