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.
Are you navigating a PhD with neurodivergence and mental health challenges, or want to find out how you can support those who do? In this article, our Editor-in-Chief reflects on five impactful stories from PhDers who’ve been there. Discover their strategies for success and prioritising wellbeing in an often-unaccommodating world. Click the subheadings to enjoy the full articles for yourself!
Featured Academic
Karen, who recently started her PhD at the University of Leeds, reflects on her experiences adjusting to life in the UK, including the language barrier, slower pace of life, and the complexities of the PhD journey. She shares the struggles of finding her research direction, fighting gender stereotypes in academia, and the fears that come with being an international student.
Navigating the unexpected departure of her advisor, Claire shares her tips on dealing with the challenges of this uncertainty during her PhD.
PhD survivor Hannah Broadbent shares her personal account of persevering through her PhD, detailing her struggle with imposter syndrome and mental health. Upon self-reflection, she shifted from academia to an industry job that best matched her preferences. Her story emphasises the importance of personal satisfaction over conforming to the perfect PhD student stereotype.
This article provides strategies and considerations for PhD students with ADHD to manage life beyond coursework and dissertation writing. The article suggests reflecting on how busy you need to be, talking to supervisors and committee members about ADHD, proactively managing rejection sensitivity, and streamlining life outside of doctoral studies.
Starting a PhD is a monumental task, demanding personal and academic growth and creating panic about where to start. In this article, a PhD student breaks down the most important things to bear in mind when starting your PhD, making the project your own, and even enjoying the ride.
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.
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.
COVID-19 changed the world of academia, making it even more isolating than before. Clarke shares tips and tricks for students and researchers to improve their work-life balance while working from home, including setting boundaries, sticking to routines, separating work from home, taking breaks, and keeping in touch with others.
