Adjusting to Grad School Life
Like many of my classmates, I started the MAcc program right out of undergrad. For that reason, I was very curious as to how differently grad school would feel. I wasn’t sure how my normal everyday habits would translate at the graduate school level. If you’re not coming right from undergrad, I’m sure you’re asking yourself a similar question!
After the first few weeks, I can tell you that adjusting to the MAcc and life in Columbus has been a breeze! Here are five of my favorite things about the MAcc program and being in grad school here at Ohio State:
The classroom environment
There is such a high level of respect between the professors and students at the graduate level. Our classrooms are more discussion-based and less homework-heavy. The distinguishing factor for me is that the professors care about us fully understanding the material. After all, we are here to deepen our knowledge of accounting—not just get A's.
The time commitment
In our classes, the deliverables consist mostly of group projects. In undergrad, I remember meeting with groups as late as 11 p.m. to work on projects. In the MAcc program, I love that we all have very similar class schedules and meet while still on campus during the day. The culture is this way because many students live off-campus. I appreciate this aspect of the MAcc program because I can leave time for other priorities in the evenings!
The subject exposure
One unique component of the MAcc program is the exposure to over 18 courses in only one year! Each course is seven weeks long (aside from a few electives), and the best part is that only four courses are required. That leaves at least 14 courses that you can tailor to your preference to make your MAcc experience truly personalized!
Are seven-week courses stressful? That was a question I asked myself before beginning the program. They are completely manageable! In fact, I love them because I can easily visualize my schedule over the seven-week period and balance school, work, and life!
Living in a metropolitan city
Columbus offers so much more than what lies on campus. As a grad-student, I love that there are very accessible places to go off campus. Downtown is a quick drive away and so are the Blue Jackets (hockey) and Columbus Crew (soccer) teams. Even closer to campus is Short North - a neighborhood just a few blocks from my apartment that offers dozens of trendy food, drink, fitness, and shopping options! That leads me to my fifth point...
Fitness
Leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle has always been a priority for me. Finding a new workout routine on a new campus was something I was worried about. Luckily, the Fisher College of Business is close to two campus recreation facilities (the RPAC and North Recreation Center) that offer group fitness classes as well as great amenities to students for free!
Another bonus: This semester, the MAcc program created both sand volleyball and soccer co-ed intramural teams. Intramurals are a great way to stay active and get to know students in the MAcc program! Off campus, there are also various options. Most apartment complexes have workout facilities, and I love the group fitness/yoga studios in Short North as well as the surrounding suburbs!