How many hours a week do you spend in grad school?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the time commitment required for physics graduate school, with participants sharing their experiences and weekly hours spent on coursework, teaching, and research. Many report spending between 30 to over 80 hours a week, depending on their specific roles and responsibilities. The workload varies significantly by individual circumstances, such as teaching obligations and research demands. Some students find themselves working long hours, especially close to deadlines or meetings, while others manage a more balanced schedule. There is also a recognition that teaching requirements differ by institution, impacting overall time spent on academic duties. Participants emphasize the importance of finding a personal balance that suits their study habits and lifestyle, with some expressing a preference for research over teaching. The conversation reflects a mix of humor and camaraderie, highlighting the challenges and realities of graduate life in physics.

How many hours do you spend in a typical week of physics grad school?

  • <30

    Votes: 1 8.3%

  • 30-40

    Votes: 1 8.3%

  • 40-50

    Votes: 3 25.0%

  • 50-60

    Votes: 1 8.3%

  • 60-70

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • 70-80

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • >80

    Votes: 6 50.0%
  • Total voters
    12
  • Poll closed .
  • #51
Well, I am "part time" in an MS program doing physics. I work full time as an engineer at a software company and my breakdown is something like this:

Fr,S,Su - I work from 8 to 4 then do studying for 4 to 5 hours at night.
M,W I am on campus from 9 to 6 (class 3:00 to 5:00) with another 2hrs of study at home.
T,Th I work 8 to 4 with class from 6p to 10p

About 30 to 36 hours of school related stuff each week. I am lucky that my day job is really shift work even though it is a "professional" job - I don't have meetings or things to bring home with me which really helps.
 
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  • #52
Yes.. let's have grad student fight with calipers.. First one to forfeit wins a week's supply of cup Ramen Noodles!
 

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