
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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This article suggests a number of places to start, such as building a good relationship with your supervisor, networking with your peers, planning your move and checking out any additional course requirements.

Anxiety is a debilitating condition that can make the simplest of tasks difficult, let alone a PhD. This empowering article follows Jake’s experience with anxiety during sixth form and university, and how once he discovered research he began to view anxiety as a superpower to keep his PhD pushing forwards. He shares anxiety-reducing techniques for when it gets too much, including affirmations and breath control, and emphasises the value of accepting anxiety in your life.

It’s important to find community and support while undertaking a PhD. For Kathryn, forming a decolonisation collective held potential for friendship. In this article she reflects on the valuable lessons learned from being part of a collective, including the need for solidarity, sharing resources, and supporting one another emotionally and mentally.

Jess Wythe talks about her experience with imposter syndrome, an issue that many in academia can relate to but is not often discussed. She discusses her feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy and how she learned to cope with them.

What is it like to be a PhD researcher in Law? Rebecca Hall tells us about her experiences as a research council funded first year PhD student, six months in.

Academia is made up of people with a variety of career trajectories. Nevertheless, they can be broadly classified into two categories: 1. People who just

Onur Cem Aygın shares advice for PhD researchers based on his doctoral journey.

Pillalamarri Srikrishnarka shares 10 tips he wish he knew before starting his STEM-based PhD program at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. A final year scholar, Pillalamarri emphasizes networking and time management, he provides useful links to other resources.
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