Discover a Day in the Life of an MS Data Science Student: What to Expect
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Discover a Day in the Life of an MS Data Science Student: What to Expect
- Lovish Rawal
- May 23, 2023
- 8:04 pm
- No Comments
A mix of excitement and anticipation, with a touch of uncertainty – that’s how you might be feeling now, right?
Are you wondering how you’ll cope with the new academic system, engage in class discussions, or strike the perfect balance between academics, social life, and self-care?

In this article, we aim to provide an immersive experience of a typical day in the life of a student pursuing an MS in Data Science in the US.
We begin with the morning routine and take you through the day until it wraps up in the evening.
As you read ahead you will come across:
- Morning Routine
- Attending Classes and Lectures
- Lunch Break and Socializing
- Research and Study Sessions
- Extracurricular Activities and Dinner
Are you ready to start the day in the life of a data science student?
Just so you can really imagine it, we’ll explain how students spend key moments of their days in some of USA’s famous MS in Data Science universities. These are:
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- College of Staten Island (City University of New York)
- Ying Wu College of Computing

Day in the Life of an MS Data Science Student
1. Morning Routine
- Waking up and morning rituals:
Day in the life of a data science student is going to be busy with classes and projects. So starting the day with personal rituals like meditation helps to set a positive tone.
- Exercise and self-care:
To maintain a healthy mind and body, engage in regular physical activities based on your interest. Many universities offer activities like fitness centers, yoga, running, swimming, or weightlifting.
- Breakfast and preparing for the day:
Fuel your day with a nutritious breakfast, either from on-campus dining facilities or by preparing it at home. Don’t miss items like your laptop, charger, notebooks, and study materials.
Expert tips for a day in the life of a data science student:

Source: CWB at WPI
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)’s Center for Well-Being (CWB) has Fitness Club and Meditation Club where you can meet and greet similar minds and partake in well-being activities.
- City University of New York(CUNY)’s Graduate Center provides free fitness resources like Shape Up NYC, Harlem Yoga Studio, and Royal Change by Sydney Cummings.
- NJIT’s on-campus dining options for a variety of choices to suit your needs. The Highlander Commons Dining Center offers themed food stations for diverse meals, while the Tech Café is perfect for grabbing quick snacks and coffee on the go.
2. Attending Classes and Lectures
- Core subjects and electives:
The typical day for a data science student starts by attending classes. Focus on mastering core subjects and choosing electives that align with your interests and career goals.
- Engaging with professors and classmates:
Actively participate in class discussions and connect with professors and peers. It will help you enhance your learning experience and build a strong academic network.
- Utilizing campus resources:
Make the most of the resources available on campus, such as libraries, study spaces, and tutoring services, to excel in your studies and stay on track.
Expert tips for a day in the life of a data science student:

Source: City University of New York
- Take advantage of CUNY’s student resources like a research library, a specialized writing center, and Science Communications Academy
- At WPI, utilize the Data Science Innovation Lab, Statistics Multimedia Laboratory, and data science software programs that are available to do projects.
- Make use of NJIT’s resources like the Digital Learning and Innovation Hub for comprehensive support in your data science studies.
3. Lunch Break and Socializing
- Have lunch on campus:
Choose from a variety of healthy meal options available on campus to nourish your body and maintain energy levels throughout the day.
- Connecting with fellow students:
Take the opportunity to engage with your peers during lunch breaks, fostering connections and building a supportive network of fellow data science students.
- Sharing experiences and building a network:
Discuss your academic experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from your classmates’ diverse perspectives to enrich your understanding of the data science field.
Expert tips for a day in the life of a data science student:

Source: The Goat’s Head, a new concept eatery at WPI
- WPI’s dining services offer a diverse range of food options, including Starbucks, Pho U, and Paper Lantern, at The Goat’s Head in Founders Hall.
- WPI also has a “ghost kitchen” concept, allowing for ultimate menu flexibility and convenient app-based mobile delivery service.
4. Research and Study Sessions
- Working with faculty and research groups:
Collaborate with faculty members and join research groups to get practical experience. It will help you learn more in detail about data science concepts and applications.
- Attending additional lectures or workshops:
Participate in extra lectures and workshops to supplement your learning. It helps you stay updated on emerging trends, and broaden your knowledge of the data science domain.
- Study groups and tutoring:
Join study groups or seek tutoring to improve your understanding of course material. It will help you clarify doubts, and improve your problem-solving skills in data science.
Expert tips for a day in the life of a data science student:

Source: Academic Resources Center at WPI
- Take advantage of CUNY’s tutoring services offered by the university’s academic support center. Seek tutoring services through the Academic Resource Center at WPI.
- Attend the guest lecture series and workshops conducted by the universities. They will feature experts from academia and conduct industry discussions in data science.
5. Extracurricular Activities and Dinner
- Volunteering and community involvement:
Participate in volunteering opportunities and community projects. This will enhance your personal growth, and gain valuable experience outside the classroom.
- Sports and recreation:
Stay active and maintain a balanced lifestyle by engaging in sports and recreational activities. It is one of the best ways to stay physically fit and relieve stress.
- Cultural and networking events:
Attend cultural and networking events to expand your horizons, and learn from diverse perspectives. You will also be able to grow connections that can benefit your personal and professional life.
- Exploring off-campus dining options:
Discover off-campus dining options to enjoy diverse cuisines and experiences, giving you a well-deserved break from academic life.
Expert tips for a day in the life of a data science student:

Source: Students volunteering at NJIT
- Participate in WPI’s networking events organized by the Center for Well-Being (CWB) like Tea Club and Cooking Club.
- Get involved in NJIT’s sports and recreation offerings, such as intramural leagues, club sports, fitness classes, and access to the modern Wellness and Events Center
- Join the volunteer opportunities listed by NJIT’s Office of Civic Engagement. They organize community service opportunities like Civic Chat and Celebrity Reads.
- Choose CUNY’s off-campus dining options like Manhattan’s Koreatown, Flushing’s Chinatown in Queens, or the authentic Italian restaurants in the Bronx’s Little Italy for dinner.
As you can see, Data science student life highlights offer a well-rounded experience that goes beyond academics.
If you want to explore more, here is some further reading:
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