Different people pursue higher education for different reasons. Some feel satisfaction in academic pursuits while others want to climb the corporate ladder or gain a competitive edge.

Whatever the reasons, completing a Master’s degree is not easy. Not only is it expensive – unless you are one of the lucky few who snag a scholarship – but it is also time-consuming.

However, here are some handy tips on how to get the most out of your Master’s education in the event that you do pursue it, or if you are in the midst of pursuing it.

Set your expectations

Life as a Master’s student is not the same as that of an undergraduate. Depending on where you study, the university will likely have a student population comprising mainly general degree students.

Ah, you remember those days – late-night study sessions, budget vacations with friends during semester break and more club activities than you could manage.

It might be tempting to relive your college days, and a little nostalgia won’t do any harm. But do not get too carried away – partying all night is not a good idea and, at your age (or any age, really), hangovers are no longer cute.

You have grown up, and that’s a good thing. You used to like junk food, now you enjoy a bowl of salad with all the trimmings. You used to like Forever 21, now you get better quality wardrobe pieces from Ann Taylor.

Another significant change is your accountability to self-study. Unlike studying for a general degree, where everyone is more or less the same age, students in your Master’s degree class will tend to be of different ages. Many will have their obligations – family and career – just like you.

So, unlike the group study sessions you had in the past, you will now have to rely on yourself to get that studying done. It would be best to give up the undergraduate lifestyle – your life is ahead of you, not in the past.

Take advantage of student discounts and university facilities

Students get a lot of perks and it can be sad to give them up. Well, now you get to do it all over again. With your student card, you can claim cheaper movie tickets, reduced admission fees, extra sales in certain stores and access to many other discount options available only to students.

And if you have some extra disposable income – this is the time to take advantage of student-only travel discounts and discounts at higher-end stores and for gadgets. The student discounts at the Apple store are especially tempting.

Take advantage of what your university has to offer. Some universities offer student gyms with great equipment so go ahead and save money by cancelling your gym membership.

Depending on where you enroll, you might also have access to a swimming pool, track field, tennis court, rock climbing and more. If you prefer group fitness or sports, you can join a fitness or sports club for a minimal fee.

In terms of academics, take advantage of digital libraries and free access to journals and publications – these are more expensive than you think. Some universities spend up to seven figures on subscriptions to academic journals. On top of that, universities offer many facilities, including study spaces, rehearsal space, internet access and health services.

Network, network and network

You may feel you have been told about the importance of networking one too many times. The reason this advice is repeated over and over again is simple – it’s true.

Networking helps build relationships that will be invaluable to your career. It is not uncommon for people to be recruited, headhunted or promoted after a networking session. Recommendations by word of mouth are the best form of advertisement for you.

It is easy to network during your Master’s education – you will have many opportunities to build relationships during classes, lectures, group work and other class-related activities. During class discussions, use your unique strengths and viewpoints to shine.

If networking does not come easily, start small. Even a small circle of friends will be good for your career (and your studies). Try to expand your circle of friends and acquaintances whenever you can.

Conclusion

A Master’s degree is an excellent way to set yourself apart. The trend in developed countries suggests that a Master’s is becoming the new general degree. For example, it is already the norm for graduates to enter the workforce with a “basic” Master’s degree in Germany.

But education is only as good as how it is used. With the tips above, you can get the most out of your Master’s education.

This article first appeared in The New Savvy.

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