[lazyjones]

Take your time and enjoy life / extracurricular activities, it's probably the best time of your life.

My mother actually told me that, but I didn't listen and tried to finish as quickly as possible because I wanted to pursue an academic career (which I did and it was short and disappointing).

I was also told to try to make as many friends as possible and keep in touch with them, which didn't quite work - too many people I started out with dropped behind of schedule with classes and so I didn't make many friends.

My own advice (from hindsight) is to not be too ambitious with Master / PhD thesis subjects, unless you're certain you'll become the next Alan Turing. Always consider whether it seems doable in a reasonable time. Your ambitions and priorities will change and you only live once (as far as we know).