What I Wish I’d Known in my First Year

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”.

SupportBeg, 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 SussexEven the courses that you think you already know about e.g. creative writingThe skills that you think have accumulated in your previous studies reach a whole new level with the PhD

Imposter Syndrome

You Can Do It!

How long does it take?

- officially 3-4 years full time- this is a marathon not a race

Easy to get distracted

Time ManagementUnstructured learning is difficult

Particularly when the more work you do the little you know!

Set yourself realistic goalsTime 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 itSet yourself small tasks to do tomorrow just before you finish work for the dayHave long term goals as well as short term goals so that have an idea of the bigger pictureDo not beat yourself up if you don’t meet your goal every so often – if you’re regularly missing your target

Your ResearchIt’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

Know where the best coffee is!

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