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Discover invaluable advice for new PhD students, including the importance of peer networks, time management strategies, and taking ownership of your research journey. Learn to set realistic goals, utilize peer support, and boost productivity.
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Don’t do it! - Run away!
The Importance of Peer Networks “I wouldn’t have survived my first year without having people to talk to about my concerns and insecurities. I would have dropped out”.
Support • Beg, borrow and steal friends, establish a network • Talk through your problems and concerns with your peers • Take the time to hang out with people, even if you feel fine and on top of things, you’d be surprised • Utilise the support available at Sussex • Even the courses that you think you already know about e.g. creative writing • The skills that you think have accumulated in your previous studies reach a whole new level with the PhD
How long does it take? - officially 3-4 years full time - this is a marathon not a race
Time Management • Unstructured learning is difficult • Particularly when the more work you do the little you know! • Set yourself realistic goals • Time yourself reading a variety of academic articles so that you have a rough idea of what you can get through in one day and be prepared to modify it • Set yourself small tasks to do tomorrow just before you finish work for the day • Have long term goals as well as short term goals so that have an idea of the bigger picture • Do not beat yourself up if you don’t meet your goal every so often – if you’re regularly missing your target
Your Research • It’s yours and no one else’s • Take control of it • It’s yours, be possessive and be wary of other commitments (like teaching) • You are never going to be able to do all the work that you think you have to do • It’s ok to laze in bed occasionally – you are merely taking an alternative perspective on your research • Carry a notebook around with you every where – you get inspiration from the oddest places