A Week in the Life: Residential MSDS Student, Quinn Glovier

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I am a residential graduate student with the University of Virginia’s School of Data Science, and a graduate of the University of Virginia’s College of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor of arts in government. 

As a UVA undergraduate, I was elated to join the master’s in data science residential program and spend another year in Charlottesville. While I still go to the school I love, my schedule has changed to accommodate the workload and lifestyle of a graduate student. As such, my strengthened discipline and time management skills have been key to balancing my workload while still having fun! 

Weekly Schedule

Almost every day (except for Friday), my alarm goes off at 8 a.m.. I prepare for the day the night before by picking out my clothes, packing my bag, and making my lunch so my mornings are as stress-free as possible. Since morning class on Mondays and Wednesdays does not start until 11 a.m., I may sleep in a little later or make a big breakfast to treat myself. I am lucky to live with my two close friends who are also in the data science master’s program, so we will eat breakfast and walk to class together. 

Typically, I stay on Grounds after my morning classes with my lunch to avoid walking home or buying food out and about. When I do get lunch out, though, my favorite places to stop are Take it Away, Corner Juice, or any of the food trucks by the amphitheater. 

After lunch, I migrate to one of the libraries to work on homework before my next class. I prefer to work in between classes so I have less to worry about when I get home. My afternoon classes are both an hour and 15 minutes long and end at either 3:15 or 4:45, depending on the day. 

After class, I change and head to the gym either alone or with my roommates. I love getting to move my body after a long day in class and enjoy going to the different gyms around Grounds and trying new classes and programs. After the gym, I eat dinner, shower, and change into some comfy clothes to finish out the day (I am the world’s biggest fuzzy sock fan). 

I finish up any work due the next day, pick up my room, and try to read at least a chapter of whichever book I am reading at the moment. I am currently reading "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann, but I love anything by Joan Didion, Eve Babitz, or Ottessa Moshfegh. Ideally, I am in bed and fast asleep by 11 p.m., as a good night of sleep is crucial for a productive day. 

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Life as a Residential Student 

Throughout my time as a student, both undergraduate and graduate, finding community helps me push through the week. Luckily, the UVA residential MSDS program consists of a tight-knit but diverse group of students and encourages collaboration. Whether it's studying together for a midterm, teaming up for our Capstone projects, or even just going out for a group lunch, my week is filled with spending time with my peers and learning together. 

Our student council has also held a variety of events for students to attend together, like group review sessions to prepare for a test and a group trip to a corn maze for some fall fun. Along with the help of our world-class professors and administrative team, the UVA residential MSDS program truly embodies the “work hard, play hard” ethos of the University. 

Personal Life and Fun 

As previously mentioned, I love spending time with my roommates and friends whenever I can. Some of my favorite activities are attending UVA football games, going to the downtown mall for a delicious meal, taking a peaceful drive down Skyline Drive, or going thrifting at all the unique second-hand and consignment stores in town. On nights in, my roommates and I will usually cuddle up on the couch with some popcorn and watch a movie or play a card game together.