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From Study Sessions to Sunset Series: A Week in the Life of a Data Science Grad Student
Meet Caroline Kranefuss, a student in the University of Virginia (UVA) M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) program. For Kranefuss, graduate school is both a demanding academic challenge and an opportunity to build a full, balanced life.
Between classes, studying, and research, she finds time to work as a Residential Ambassador, volunteer in the community, stay active at UVA’s gyms, and enjoy Charlottesville with friends from her cohort. Kranefuss's experience shows that while the program is rigorous, it also gives students the freedom to shape their own schedules and pursue what matters most to them. Read on to see what a typical week in her life looks like.
TL;DR
- Lots of studying but lots of freedom
- Time to work, volunteer, and exercise
- Friendship with my cohort
Weekly Schedule
Being a Master’s student, especially in the rigorous UVA MSDS program, is a full-time job. I have time to work as a Residential Ambassador, relax, and take care of life’s daily chores - and every cohort member has time for a varied extracurricular life, whether it be research with professors, an on-grounds job, or dedication to a workout routine - but make no mistake, attending classes and studying takes up most of my time. This commitment is actually part of why I chose this program. I wanted a demanding course of study, and UVA has delivered just that.
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Some treat the program like a job by working from 8-6 consistently on weekdays. I work better by chunking my time every day, including weekends and nights, so that I can go to office hours, take time for lunch, and get involved with UVA extra-curriculars during the day. Either approach is fine. The wonderful thing about a master’s degree is that you are in charge of your schedule.
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I wake up at 8 a.m. before biking to class at 9 a.m. I live fewer than ten minutes from the School of Data Science by bike, and would recommend living close to the School if possible so that it is easy to go back and forth. After class, I eat a lunch that I’ve packed and brought with me to save money. I like to study in the room reserved for MSDS students on the fourth floor.
Around Grounds and Charlottesville
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On Tuesdays, I attend the Spanish Coffee hour at Casa Bolivar, the Spanish/Italian/Portuguese House to practice my Spanish. I speak it, having studied it from kindergarten through college, but have recently begun to lose it with lack of practice, so it’s nice to take advantage of the resources at UVA and meet students outside the MSDS program.
I also love to exercise. UVA has three gyms (a fourth is under construction) where I can swim, climb, play racquetball, or do more traditional weighted workouts. I also started and run the Data Science Wahoos run club here at the School of Data Science.
Friends, Fun and the Weekend
On Thursdays, I like to go to the Sunset Series at Carter Mountain with friends from my cohort, where they have live music, food trucks, and drinks. On Fridays, I enjoy exploring the Downtown Mall, where graduate students spend time, or The Corner, where undergraduate students pass their time. Or, if I have had a lot of work that week, I skip Thursday and Friday fun to study.
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My weekends are pretty relaxed. Of course, I have to study, but I also enjoy volunteering with a local environmental organization and spending time with my cohort, the latter of which has been a favorite part of the program. It’s early in the semester, but I’ve already made some wonderful friends here, some (or all!) of whom will become lifelong friends.
Learn more about the full-time, in-person Residential MSDS at the University of Virginia. Request more information, connect with Admissions, or start your application today.
