Marika (she/her) is a first year PhD student of English Literature at Swansea University doing a project in comparative literature. She is researching the presence of Giacomo Leopardi, the most important Italian author of the 19th century, in James Joyce’s masterpieces. Before moving to the UK, Marika completed a Master’s Degree in Modern Literature and Philology, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in International Communication. Marika Strano’s interests range from classical philology (with a particular focus both on Petronius and Apuleius’ novels, and on the reception of the Greek Myth in Italian and Irish Literature), to Modern Italian, Irish, English and American authors. Twitter: @GiacominoJoyce

My PhD Journey As An International Student

Marika Strano, a first-year PhD student in English Literature at Swansea University, shares her journey as an international student in her PhD program. Despite the difficulties and rejections she faced before being accepted at Swansea, Marika was thrilled when she finally received her offer to study in the UK, but she also shares the challenges of being an international student and how it affects her mental health.

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When Dreams Fall Apart: Mental Health and New Beginnings in Academia and Beyond

In this motivational article, the author reflects on his mental health journey of realising teaching wasn’t his dream job after all and starting over in an academia-adjacent career. The article highlights the value of clear boundaries between work and home, of prioritising mental health in academia and beyond, and of being brave enough to choose another road when you reach a dead end.

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It’s Your PhD: How to Deal With Unhelpful Advice

This article explores how advice, whether solicited or unsolicited, can damage the morale and hope of those doing a PhD. The purpose of this article is to comment on the boundaries that researchers must put in place to avoid being negatively affected: we must be discerning as to whether advice is useful and pertinent, or whether it is not applicable to us. The main message is: don’t listen to everyone, and trust your own judgement!

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What is Unique About a PhD at Cambridge University?

Meet Cameron, a PhD student from Cambridge University. In this video, he shares his experiences and offers valuable tips to help you make the most of your own academic journey. Join him as he provides insights and guidance for navigating the challenges of pursuing a PhD.

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