<p>College newb here.</p>
<p>I know work in grad school is more specific, it is more difficult, and a lot more demanding. Yet in terms of the social scene, interacting with others, making friends, and all that stuff, does it even exist in graduate school?</p>
<p>Of course it does! Most grad students tend to interact with others in their own program, but there are “mixers” and you can join groups, e.g. hiking club, religious groups etc that have both grads and undergrads in them. Grad students do tend to be more focused on the academic part of the experience than undergrads, though.</p>
<p>I’ve talked to a couple of engineering grad students at my school and they say that the social scene is even better than undergrad. I guess it just depends on the person and the people you choose to hang out with.</p>
<p>that is a very interesting take ^^^^</p>
<p>It exists in the same way that a “social scene” exists for any young professional. People still make friends after they turn 22, you know. You may grab a drink after lab or class with your colleagues in graduate school; you’ll probably chat about school politics and your programs and future plans. You may become close friends with a few of them, or maybe 1 or 2. Or you may make close friends elsewhere - other programs, through other organizations on campus or even through other community organizations with people who have nothing to do with your program. Right now I have one friend in my program, quite a few friends through my on-campus job and some friends who are alumnae of my alma mater who happen to live in my city.</p>
<p>I would say socially I am enjoying myself more than I did in undergrad. I feel more sure of myself and my own identity and I have more friends with whom I share deeply held interests and beliefs. We may see each other less often, but I enjoy the time we spend together more. The friendships are deeper and more meaningful than a lot of the superficial friendships you forge in college based on parties and groups. Because you actually have to work to make time for each other, you know the people you wanna see and who wanna see you really care for you as a friend.</p>