What is studying an MBA really like? MBA students share their journeys

TL;DR

• MBA courses tend to be full on and free time is often limited, meaning MBA students should set aside time to unwind and relax every week
• Maximizing your MBA experience requires careful planning and a diligent approach to studies and life outside of the classroom 
• Living costs vary depending on your location, ranging from $1,400 per month in Berlin to $3,000 per month in California

An MBA is the world's most popular graduate management degree—but what is life really like at the world’s best business schools? 

To find out, we spoke to four MBA students around the world, studying at four very different business schools. They gave insights into their typical weekly schedule, what they did with their free time, and how much the MBA lifestyle costs.

1. Sinmi Oyekola, Darden Business School

1. What is a typical week’s academic schedule like for you?

I am a dual degree MBA/MPP student, so my week looks a bit different from most of my classmates. I have classes in both schools from Monday to Thursday. I usually start at 8am and on lighter days I have one 2:45pm class. A lot of my week is filled with reading and analyzing cases for class conversations. On occasion we also get to present to our classmates which is one of my favourite parts of the week.

2. How much free time do you get and what do you typically do with it?

My week is usually packed because I am the president of the Graduate Women in Business Club and the Vice President of Fellowship for the Darden Christian Fellowship. Both roles help me connect with first and second years in ways I probably would not have otherwise. I also weightlift and run and I am an avid shopper so I love finding fun pieces. I enjoy having game nights with friends and connecting outside of class. I am also exploring more travel opportunities this coming year.

3. What is the best and worst thing about MBA life?

The best thing is the connection you make with your classmates. It is second to none because these are amazing people in different phases of life so I learn a lot from them both professionally and personally.

The hardest part is constantly analyzing whether I am on track for my future goals, but I have learned to take things one day at a time and trust that God has it all sorted out.

4. How much does the MBA lifestyle cost?

I would say about US$24K to US$40K a year for living expenses, fun experiences and travel, but the experience is priceless and completely worth it.

2. Punit Thakkar, ESMT Berlin

1. What is a typical week’s academic schedule like for you?

The typical schedule when you start the full-time MBA at ESMT Berlin keeps you on campus from 9am to 5pm, almost every day. There are lectures from 9am to 12pm, then a lunch break from 12pm to 2pm (which is also used for group assignment discussions or individual assignment work), and then a lecture from 2pm to 5pm. 

After class, at least once a week, I attend an on-campus networking or knowledge session with people from all areas of business, from senior managers to CEOs. I am also learning the German language, so twice a week, I stay after class to attend the evening German classes offered at the University. 

On Fridays, you'll always find people from class ready to unwind from the week, so we end up hanging out together, exploring the city. Between the classes, homework, events, and hanging out with the gang, the week flies by super quickly!

From the second semester onwards, when you move to your tracks and electives, the schedule calms down a little, but it is still close to around 30 hours a week of school time.

2. How much free time do you get and what do you typically do with it?

The free time you get depends entirely on you and what you are doing to maximize the MBA experience. I prefer doing deep research and exploring assignments from many angles, so I spend considerable time completing homework. Whenever the weather is friendly enough, you'll find me tapping away on my laptop in a beautiful park or by the riverside. I'd say after all the classes and extra homework time, I end up with at least eight to 10 free hours per week.

I also attend tons of networking events in the city, meeting people from the industry and learning what they're up to at their workplaces, especially in this disruptive age of AI. I've also been improving my product development skills by using AI to develop software products that I personally use and sometimes sell.

Finally, I love exploring Berlin's history, culture, and nature, so I am often outdoors, finding a new story about the city or reliving an old one. 

3. What’s the best and worst thing about MBA life?

I'd say the best part about this experience is the people I get to do it with. We are all together in this one place in time, having uprooted ourselves from our cities and countries, from our successful past careers, and are building a new life with each other as our support. We listen respectfully, debate passionately, and are pushing each other gently to grow our shared understanding of the world.

ESMT Berlin is a very selective business school, since they only accept 30-40 people per cohort. This number is actually very conducive to keeping people close—we know each other so well by now, can depend on each other for anything we might need, and even have little jokes that we share as a group, not to mention all the ways in which we have already collaborated on assignments and how we interact with our professors. It is a very positive environment in and out of class, and none of it would have happened without the people.

The worst part about this experience is the distance from home, especially at a certain age with certain responsibilities. One tends to worry about loved ones in times of uncertainty, and developing the inner strength to work diligently towards your goals while not letting the stress of uncertainty cloud your vision is a hard skill to develop and takes a lot of energy.

4. How much does an MBA lifestyle cost?

At the moment, Berlin offers one of the most cost-effective lifestyles of any capital city in Western Europe.

Depending on your living, food, and travel arrangements, your total expenses for an MBA will vary a lot. On average, if you live close to your university, commute using public transport, and eat mostly at home after shopping from an average supermarket, with maybe once or twice a week of eating out and going to a bar, you should expect to spend anywhere between €1,200 to 1,600 (US$1,395 to US$1,860) a month on that lifestyle. Anything fancier than these descriptions, and you might end up stretching your range considerably.

There are also other costs to consider. There is, of course, the cost of tuition, some of which can be pared down through scholarships. There is also the opportunity cost of leaving an existing, thriving career; all its associated salary, perks, and benefits, and also the growth in career you could have experienced had you stayed put. This is why it is important to have clarity of vision and purpose when making an important life decision like pursuing an MBA. It can be a life-changing bet, or an expensive vacation.

3. Leila Hoffpauir, Oxford Saïd Business School

What is a typical week’s academic schedule like for you?

Every week really varies, but for the most part I’m in class or at the business school Monday to Friday from nine to five. The first term has been very hectic, with lots of different classes that set the scene for the rest of the program. We’ve been learning everything from how to prepare financial statements to how AI may impact our future workplace. The range and breadth of topics have made the long days feel surprisingly short.

How much free time do you get and what do you typically do with it?

Free time is a bit of a misnomer. I wouldn’t say I get free time as much as I intentionally create it. You must fit in time for your hobbies and interests outside of coursework, classmates, and clubs. I really enjoy running and have found myself carving out time for a run whenever I can, just to clear my head and get outside for a bit.

What’s the best and worst thing about MBA life?

The best thing about MBA life is that you are so incredibly busy. The worst thing about MBA life is that you are also so incredibly busy! Being an MBA means giving up other things in your life for a while, but the intensity is part of what makes the experience so rewarding.

How much does an MBA lifestyle cost?

I think the cost really depends on your lifestyle. Especially at Oxford, you can spend anything from hundreds of pounds on balls and events every weekend to sticking to just the bare necessities. Accommodation costs vary as well depending on your preferences. The best advice is to set a budget for yourself before you start your MBA, but don’t forget to include some money for fun activities as well as the essentials.

4. Haley Carruthers, Haas School of Business

What is a typical week’s academic schedule like for you?

A typical week at Haas is a mix of classes, group work, and club responsibilities. We are on the quarter system, so everything moves quickly because each term is only about six to seven weeks. Right now I am in my first semester, so my schedule is primarily made up of core classes that are assigned to us. I usually have class four days a week for about two to four hours a day, and then I layer in team meetings, recruiting, and exploring potential employment industries through coffee chats. Some days are stacked back to back, and others are more open, which gives me flexibility to study, work out, or meet with classmates.

How much free time do you get and what do you typically do with it?

Free time definitely ebbs and flows depending on recruiting or finals, but I usually carve out time every day for something nonacademic. For me, that includes workouts like yoga or long runs, painting when I want a creative reset, or grabbing coffee with admits or classmates. You do get free time, but you have to be intentional about creating it. Otherwise the calendar will fill itself.

What’s the best and worst thing about MBA life?

The best thing about my MBA experience has been the opportunity to explore so many different industries. I have never had this much access to industry experts, alumni, and practitioners who are willing to share their stories and answer any question I have. There has been no other time in my life when I could be in a position to explore so freely, test different career paths, and learn directly from people doing the work I am interested in. It has opened my eyes to possibilities I would not have considered before coming to Haas.

The worst part is honestly the constant juggling. You’re balancing academics, recruiting, clubs, social life, and personal commitments all at once. It can feel like everything is happening at the same time and you’re trying to show up fully everywhere. You learn to say no and to protect your energy, but the adjustment period can be overwhelming.

How much does an MBA lifestyle cost?

The cost of MBA life varies a lot by person, but there are some common ranges. 

Living in Berkeley typically means paying between US$1,800 and US$2,500 per month for rent, depending on roommates and location. Groceries and eating out often range from US$400 to US$700 per month. 

Travel is the category that fluctuates the most, since treks, social trips, and conferences can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars a year. General student life also adds up quickly with club dues, events, rideshares, and coffee chats.

This article was first published in 2018  and was most recently updated in January  2026