My recommendations to my PHD students.
How to do research? I recommend you go over this speech given by Dr. Richard Hamming: You and Your Research.
Broden your knowledge base and network with peers
Read and review papers. Find not only what is going on in your own field but also other relevant (even not relevant areas).
Participate conferences, meetings, workshops and prepare posters and presentations.
Go to seminars and learn from those presenters not only how they present their work but how they think and solve problems.
Writing skills: Write down your thinkings and document your results. when you try to put your problems, methods, results, findings in writing, you start to formulate them and it, in turn, will help you understand the problems much better.
Fitness & Exercise. When you cann't take good care of yourself, you won't last long. Go to GYM at least 3 times a week. Paying for GYM fee does not cost you a lot compared with medical bills.
Healthy Eating Habits. Eating junk food will hurt your brain and body in the long run. Getting into a healthy living style will make your life as a human enjoyable.
Good Manner. You may want to start to learn good manner. How to dress up? What to order? What to say at different occasions? Having a good taste will make you a nice person to work with.
IEEE Reviews and Editor
IEEE and other Contests
Other Activities
Hosting NCSU Events: Rave Catering and space reservation