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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Applying for a PhD in the Sciences: A 7-Step Guide

This article provides a step-by-step guide for people interested in pursuing a PhD, particularly in the sciences (though much of the advice carries over to other disciplines as well). It emphasizes the importance of identifying personal interests and goals, fully researching different programs, and knowing the key differences between doing a PhD in different countries.

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Writing Up: What Worked for Me

In this article, Jennie Riley shares how she tackled the writing-up process, including creating a timetable and breaking down her work into smaller goals, ultimately leading to a successful draft.

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