Gemma Rides (She/Her) is a PhD researcher and Teaching Associate in the Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London. She is interested in the relationship between adolescents' social media use and mental health. Her PhD research is focused on understanding the links between adolescents' online social communicative behaviour, in particular their use of likes, comments and shares, and levels of anxiety and depression. Follow Gemma on ​Twitter: @Gemma_Rides

PhD Abroad: How to Navigate Intercultural Interactions 

Are you studying for a PhD abroad? Are you worried about integrating meaningfully into your PhD life in a different country? In this article, Dai Wenqi explores how to socialise and adapt to a new culture during your PhD abroad, providing advice from her lived experiences to help you enjoy your doctoral life to the fullest. This includes respecting and engaging with the culture of your host country, learning the language (but forgo the pressure of perfect fluency), and leaning into your unique personal charm.

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Changing Degrees and Pursuing My Own Passions: My Journey to a Fulfilling PhD 

Ever spent years in a degree you were not happy with? This PhD student has, and she advocates for being brave enough to choose personal fulfilment over societal expectations and conventional timelines. In this article, she shares her breakthrough in changing academic direction to a path that better aligns with her passions, and offers empowering words to others who may be in a similar situation.

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