If you want to get into IB, best tip is to focus on getting a summer internship in a bulge bracket. This will set you on the path towards an IB role upon graduation. Start trying in year 2, (or even year 1) as this is very crucial. If you dont get an IB internship, your chances of getting into IB when you graduate is very close to zero (regardless of your grades)

As for lifestyle, contrary to popular belief there is nothing glamorous about being in IB. (at least in the first 5 years). Especially now after the 2007-2008 crisis and all the clamp down on banker bonus. Job uncertainty is always on the mind. This means that bankers no longer spend but save a large portion of their salaries.

Work starts at around 9:00am, ends on average around 12:00. Typically you will work on either Sat/Sun. Workload is grinding and often repetitive. Alot of data gathering & manipulation. Alot of excel and powerpoint. Bloomberg.

Weekdays, you will literally go home, brush teeth and sleep. Weekends you will not have much of a social life as your schedules are constantly interupted by work. You will realise you use the office washroom more often than your own bathroom.

If you are lucky enough to have a gf, and luckier if she stays with you. Remember to cherish her. You will realise that all your so called friends will slowly stop calling you out, largely because you are always late or constantly unable to join anyways. Whilst your social circle gets smaller, you will begin to appreciate the value of your loved ones. That despite you missing family gatherings, parent's birthdays etc, they are the ones who still care about you unconditionally. After sometime, you will dread the business trips. The glamor of 5 star hotels and business class travel will fade. You will begin to appreciate a home cooked meal, despite your $40 dollar dinner allowance. You would rather pay $40 to the company to get a chance to eat at home.

This is just after 3 years of being in the industry.. maybe things will change after 5