Olivia (Liv) is a PhD Archaeology student at the University of Liverpool and a current humanities tutor at cactustutoring.com. Originally from North Wales and has previously studied at the Department of Archaeology at the University of Reading. She is currently working on a project about human sacrifice in early urban communities of the Ancient Near East and China with a specific interest in the involvement of the female body in sacrificial rites in response to William Beer and Nancy Joy. Research interests include Ancient Near East and Prehistoric Archaeology, burial archaeology, ritual theory, cognitive archaeology and osteological evidence of trauma. She is also very interested in philosophy, psychology and ritual in archaeological contexts. Follow her on Twitter: @Iam_livin

Floundering First Steps: The First Month Of Starting A PhD

Starting a PhD can be daunting at the best of times, but even more so during a pandemic. In this article, Olivia Eve Arkley shares her experiences and advice for making the most of the first month of a PhD, including practical tools and mental skills to aid completion. She also discusses the importance of becoming part of the academic community and carving out your own place within it.

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Juggling Parenthood, Disability, Work and Academia

Is it possible to juggle being a single parent, working in paid employment, having a disability and being part of academia? Definitely possible, but it can be a demanding and overwhelming experience. This article discusses the struggles and achievements of one such PhD student juggling these areas, and hopes to encourage you to not give up and ask for help whenever you need it!

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Applying for a PhD: My Struggles and Triumphs

This article explores the challenges, doubts and pressures faced during the pursuit of a PhD. It takes a close look at how PhD candidates are chosen, highlighting the need for looking into the scientific character of the candidate and their way of thinking rather than just focusing on academic achievements alone. The narrative also highlights coping strategies, advocating for resilience and self-reflection. Ultimately, it offers motivation to others, encouraging them to persevere in their pursuit of knowledge and passion in the face of adversity.

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