Three Key Points Graduate Students Should Consider for September

The end of August signals a back-to-school rush filled with orientation events and checklists. Not wanting to overwhelm you with things that you “must do” we have outlined three key areas of interest to keep in mind as you’re gearing up for the beginning of September.    

Be aware of funding

A new start to a school term means new opportunities for research funding. A significant portion of applications for research grants and awards will be due in the Fall. The most important thing for you to do right now is to seek out your funding opportunities as soon as possible, confirm whether you are eligible, and record the deadline dates in your day planner, your phone or even on your fridge. GradProSkills holds numerous workshops on identifying funding for Concordia graduate students, and strategies to make your application stand out, such as: GPLL466 - Funding Opportunities for Graduate Students in Thesis-based programs

In a previous blog post, Funding Your Graduate Studies at Concordia, we provided a detailed list of Provincial awards (FRQSC, FRQNT, FRSQ, and IRSST), Federal awards (SSHRC, NSERC, and CIHR), and The Vanier as well as Trudeau Foundation Scholarship for Doctoral candidates.

Along with the larger awards listed above, there is also the option of the Étudiants-chercheurs étoiles Award by the Fonds de recherché du Québec. The FRQSC, FRQNT, and FRQS Fonds will award $1,000 to three recipients each month.   

Get in touch with your supervisor

If you’re a newly admitted Concordia grad student, have you introduced yourself to your supervisor yet? If you haven’t, it’s a good idea to start off your school term by contacting them. Your correspondence should briefly summarize who you are and your research interests, and perhaps set up a time when you can meet. If you're having trouble, we have a few suggestions on crafting emails: Five Strategies for Perfecting Your Emails.

For continuing graduate students, when was the last time you checked in with your supervisor? The start of a new year is a great time to update them on your progress with your research and any concerns you have about the direction your heading in.

Building and maintaining a comfortable relationship with your supervisor is an important aspect of an enriching graduate experience. For those wondering how to foster a productive relationship with their supervisor, or how to find a supervisor who fits with your academic aspirations, attend our GradProSkills workshop: GPLL18 - Building an Effective Relationship with your Thesis Supervisor

Find out what resources are available to you

To take advantage of the resources available to you at Concordia University, you must first identify what they are. The best way to find out what the university offers is to speak to your professors, your peers and to do a little digging for yourself. We have a list of a few resources to get you started.

Food
Food services at Concordia have been moving towards sourcing local and sustainable meal options. The Hive free lunch and People’s Potatoes soup kitchen are fantastic vegan lunch options for students looking for more affordable alternatives. If you ever find yourself in a pinch for groceries, consider the Student emergency & food fund.

Also, GradProSkills offers a workshop on Eating Ethically and Eating Well with Little Time or Money.

Studying
A study area can be anywhere you are able to be comfortable and productive. For some people that may be the library: the Webster Library Transformation created dissertation writer’s rooms on the fifth floor that provide a quiet, graduate exclusive space with lockers and shelves. Concordia University also comprised an extensive list of possible study spaces on campus.   

Departments often have designated spaces for students that may require a membership form or access card. So, speaking with a department advisor may help you discover reserved areas.

Equipment
You can find a list of open use computer & media labs by visiting the Concordia IT services page.  Students also have the option of visiting the library to borrow laptops and tablets. Another great resource is the Technology Sandbox which is home to advanced technological equipment as well as unique workshops on 3D printing, Linux, Photoshop, etc.

Once again, check with your department. Restricted equipment loan services as well as special computer labs are spread out across Concordia University.

Transit
Make sure you get your student OPUS card, which allows you to pay discounted fares on STM transit. Starting in September, students 26 and over are eligible to use the discount as well!

By visiting Campus Life you can also find a listing of health services, spiritual centres, learning support and employment assistance. For those new to Montreal, Off-Campus Housing & Job Bank (HOJO) is an excellent resource to find information about renting in Montreal and accessing job classifieds, as well as used furniture listings.