8 Essential Tips for New PhD Students

Pursuing a PhD is both rewarding and challenging. If you are new to doctoral study, about to begin, or simply considering the idea, here are some of the most important tips and suggestions from Áine, a third-year planetary science PhD student at the University of Glasgow.

“Ask Questions, Anytime”

No one expects you to know everything.

Áine says, “Ask questions, anytime.” “Your supervisor cannot read your mind, and they cannot know what you have already done or what you do not know. So do not be afraid to ask about anything you are unsure of, including what something means and how to do it.”

“Imposter Syndrome Is Real”

Imposter syndrome is far more common in PhD study than you may realize. Self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy are completely understandable, and they can make you feel like you should not be doing a doctorate. Imposter syndrome looks different for everyone, and Áine has experienced it herself.

“Imposter syndrome is real, and almost everyone experiences it at some point. I found it helpful to open up to my peers, because you discover that other people feel the same way.”

That leads us to Áine’s next piece of advice...

“Do Not Compare Your PhD With Everyone Else’s”

“Do not compare your PhD project with anyone else’s. They are all different, so do not worry about whether your data, papers, or experience are more or less than your peers’. You were admitted to this program because you deserved to be here.”

A doctorate involves a huge, steep learning curve. Whether or not you are as determined as Áine to pursue a PhD, looking around and comparing yourself with others is not helpful, especially when everyone is on their own doctoral path. It is important to manage your expectations and maintain the right attitude and work ethic to keep moving forward.

“Be Extremely Organized!”

Establishing a routine, a distraction-free dedicated workspace, and access to the right resources and tools is the golden rule, and it can really help set you up for success.

From the start, calendars, journals, planners, and to-do lists will be your best friends throughout your PhD. You will ultimately be responsible for your own study plan and self-management. While that may sound obvious, it is not uncommon to suddenly find yourself struggling to keep track of what needs to be recorded. That is something Áine wishes she had thought about when she started her PhD.

“I have dozens of notebooks from many meetings, experiments, and conferences, and I am very bad at keeping track of which information is in which notebook. I wish I had set up a system тогда, because it would save me a lot of time now!”

“Build a Research Network for Yourself”

Whatever your field of research, and wherever you are studying in the world, networking is an important part of a PhD. Attending and taking part in local and international events such as conferences, seminars, lab meetings, and even graduate courses is a great way to build and maintain professional and social relationships.

Áine explains, “Whether online or in person, and whether in your research group or across your department, find peers with more experience than you who you can talk to comfortably.”

“If Your University Has Student Counseling Services, Use Them”

PhD students spend long hours reading, researching, and writing, which understandably can lead to high stress levels. It is important to check in with yourself regularly. Be open and do not feel like you are on your own, whatever your worries or concerns may be.

“More than half of PhD students experience poor mental health during their doctorate. If that happens to you, use your university’s student counseling services, if available, learn to recognize the signs that you are struggling, and give yourself a break.”

The University of Glasgow offers a wide range of support services, including a dedicated wellbeing service that students can use as much or as little as they wish.

“Do Not Feel Pressured to Work 24/7”

“Some people in academia work long hours, seven days a week, and I am not one of them,” Áine says. “Early on, I was really worried that I would fail because the people around me were working such long hours, and I told my supervisor that it was making me anxious. She really helped me a lot and encouraged me to find a balance between work and life.”

A healthy work-life balance is essential. You can still have a life during your PhD, so between reading, research, seminars, and meetings with your supervisor, make time to plan fun and exciting activities with friends and family.

“Do Not Worry If Your Project Changes as You Progress”

“Do not worry if your project changes as you progress. And when that happens, do not worry if you feel a little lost and unsure about what is going on,” Áine says. “Doing a PhD means contributing to knowledge, so it is completely normal for what you contribute to change as you move forward.”

You are challenging existing beliefs and practices while developing new ways of thinking. Remember that you chose to pursue a PhD in order to make a meaningful contribution to your field.

Check in on your progress regularly, but remember that setbacks and new developments are inevitable. It is also okay to accept that your initial plan may change.