
What I Wish I Knew Before I Started My PhD
From the importance of taking breaks, finding a supportive group, to valuing yourself and networking, these tips will help you get through the rough times and make the most of your PhD experience.
Explore the world of doctoral research and academia with insights, tips, and guidance for prospective and current PhD students. Navigate the challenges and rewards of the doctoral journey.

From the importance of taking breaks, finding a supportive group, to valuing yourself and networking, these tips will help you get through the rough times and make the most of your PhD experience.
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Are you a new PhD student looking to make connections before your programs starts? Kristin shares two big tips to help you hit the ground running at the start of your doctoral studies.
Adrienne Darrah discusses the advantages and difficulties of pursuing a PhD later in life, and presents reasons why you should contemplate undertaking a PhD as an older student in this talk.

Feeling isolated while pursuing a PhD is common, but it’s important to build connections with others to feel supported and foster a sense of community. Participating in student-run groups and attending events can help graduate students make friends and even get to know professors in their department.

At ninety years old, Dr Bronwyn Herbert has completed her PhD at the University of Queensland, Australia. The PhD Place had the pleasure of interviewing her across the globe to share her inspiring story with our readers! Drawing on her extensive career in social work and her wealth of life experience, Bronwyn promotes the joy of lifelong learning and showcases the power of resilience that every PhD student can seek to emulate.

From selecting the right program and advisor to managing stress and staying motivated, this article offers a comprehensive guide to support future PhD students with insights and tips to navigate each phase of the doctoral process. With an engaging and supportive tone, this roadmap aims to inspire confidence and enthusiasm, equipping students with the tools they need to embark on this exciting and challenging adventure.

In this article, Kristin Hynes describes her experience of comprehensive exams (required by some US universities.) With 5 tips, Kristin shares how other students can be successful in this part of the admissions process.

This article reflects on the author’s 15-year academic journey, detailing the lessons learned from disorganised PhD student to effective work habits as a postdoc and assistant professor, and applying these lessons to their current role at Paperpile. Suzanne offers practical advice on academic writing, productivity, and professional development, emphasizing the importance of daily writing practice, systematic note-taking, reflection, goal setting, and the use of digital tools like reference managers. She shares these insights to help current PhD students avoid similar pitfalls and develop productive habits early in their academic careers.

Rejection stings. You put months into a paper, edit it until you can’t stand to look at it anymore, hit submit, and then a few
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