PhD 101 – How to Survive Your First Year

A PhD is a very unique experience. Beginning that journey feels like there is a very long road ahead, filled with all manner of challenges and achievements. As exciting as it is, along with the sense of accomplishment you feel for getting this far, it can be a really confusing and overwhelming time.

Before starting my PhD, I chose to complete a Masters degree with a large research component. Looking back on this I have to admit that, if I had transitioned straight from my undergraduate degree into a PhD, and didn’t have such a supportive research group within my Masters course, I don’t think I would have had a clue what to expect. In fact, despite my Masters course giving me good grounding as a researcher, I still remember bursting into tears upon accepting my PhD offer because it suddenly dawned on me that I was embarking on something so challenging and I was terrified I couldn't do it.

So, after nearly 4 years of being a PhD student, I feel that I now have a good sense of what advice I’d pass on to new students.  Hopefully this advice will help anyone starting their PhD to get the most out of their first year, and more importantly, to enjoy the process!

Keep good notes and record meetings 

This is at the top of the list for a reason, as keeping good lab notes and records of meetings will save you SO much effort in the long run. The likelihood is that you will forget the specifics about certain experiments when you come to repeat them or write them up later in your PhD. Or, you will forget a good chunk of the meeting you had with your supervisor by the next day. Take a notebook with you wherever you go. This is even good for noting down any new ideas that come to you.  

Invest time in reading and start using a referencing platform 

Your first year is the time for familiarising yourself with your field and the literature. Putting time into thoroughly reading lots of papers, and researching the techniques you may use inside out will really shape and direct your time in the lab or during data collection. Also, start using a referencing tool from the word go, to save and sort your papers all into one place. I would recommend Mendeley. 

Tweet!

I made a twitter account in my second year, and OH MY it changed my PhD experience. I followed so many PhD students and science professionals from around the world and it really made me feel like part of a thriving and supportive community. Twitter is great for learning from other students, getting advice, joining in discussions, and even networking. 

Attend a conference 

Try to go to at least one conference, just to be there (not to present any work). It’s such a good opportunity to be a sponge and absorb everything you can when you’re just starting out. Most people advocate conferences for networking purposes, but I personally think that they are a great source of inspiration in your first year. Also try to look out for free conferences in cities near you. 

Figure out a routine 

A PhD has no set working hours, which is both a good and bad thing. Although the work can be flexible, I believe it’s so valuable to start as you mean to go on and find a routine. Managing your time well will lead to a smoother path in your second year, not to mention a healthier work-life balance. Personally, I found that making lists, planning my week first thing on a Monday morning, and prioritising tasks to be a BIG help. Avoid extremes - such as random days off mid-week, then working all weekend to make up for it.

Be aware of burnout

There is no limit to the work involved in a PhD. There is always more that could be done, but often, you have to know when its sensible to draw a line under something.  Everyone’s project/supervisor is completely different - there is no PhD manual, which is what makes it a difficult and individual experience for everyone. However, I would say that in your first year, try to be as realistic, efficient and strategic as you can so that you don’t overwork yourself. Don’t get side-tracked doing work that might not relate to your project in the end. This is your year to learn, absorb, and plan, so don’t pressure yourself to be making crazy scientific discoveries!