Undergraduate research opportunity! Tips on how to manage with school and work loads?

<p>Hi, everyone! </p>

<p>Recently, I've talked with my professor about turning my class research project into a long term, "official" one. She told me it was definitely something I could pursue and that she could help me with, and I'm meeting with her later this week to discuss the details. </p>

<p>I know this seems kind of vague, but what would be the best way to juggle everything? Research in the morning, class/work during the day, studying at night? Research spread out during the week at different times, or a more focused, longer attack on weekends around work? </p>

<p>I'm excited about this, but I have absolutely no experience! For the time being, I know that I'm going to be working on the background part more than the experimental part, if that changes anything. </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Depends on the research. If it’s experimental, you might need to spend chunks of time in the lab so that the experiment has enough time to run. I go into my lab on afternoons (generally two or three afternoons per week), and about once a week, I anticipate that I could be in the lab quite late.</p>

<p>It depends on you, too. Also, sometimes it’s not as easy to arrange your schedule that way - you may have classes that you need that are only offered at specific times. I think it’s easier to take the classes you want to, then agree upon a certain number of research hours and arrange your schedule around your class schedule.</p>

<p>I’ve found them rather accommodating when midterms/finals rolls around. Other than that, I like to get it out of the way in a couple days then focus on classes rest of the week.</p>