John Vandevert is a first year PhD student at Uppsala University in Sweden, where he is studying Russian rap and the process of identity creation under supervision of Dr Ann Werner. He is the co-founder of the "Global Hip Hop Reading Room" (GHHRR), an international study group for practitioners, fans, and academics alike, dedicated towards discussing hip hop in all of its forms.

Applying for a PhD Abroad: How to Thrive as an International Student

Are you applying for a PhD program in a new country and feeling overwhelmed? This article offers some top tips on how to successfully navigate the international waters to help yourself thrive abroad! Important considerations include researching the right country/university fit for you, giving plenty of time to getting a residence permit, and helping yourself feel part of a community in your new city.

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‘Spectral Schedules’ in Postdoctoral Applications: The Case for Transparency and Consistency in Academic Hiring  

This article highlights the issue of unclear and unpredictable application processes for postdoctoral opportunities in the UK and beyond. Drawing on philosophical concepts like hauntology, it calls for universities to honour (or refrain from setting!) their ‘outcome announcement’ dates, as this would alleviate disappointment and foster greater fairness and transparency in postdoctoral applications.

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Tips and Tales from a First-Generation Student

The barriers faced by first-generation students can be altogether challenging when navigating graduate school. In this article, a fellow first-generation student shares what it has been like being in a PhD program and offers pieces of encouragement and advice for getting through.

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