This document provides advice for PhD students from current PhD cohorts on various aspects of the PhD process. It recommends that students work hard early on by attending workshops and seminars, structure their time, take ownership of their topic even though it is supervised, research their supervisor and ensure being on the same page, have a clear timetable and leave plenty of time for drafting and final submission. It also advises utilizing other PhD students as a resource, learning to write and think critically, maintaining work-life balance and not being afraid to seek help from support staff. The overall message is to focus on completing the PhD to then pursue future goals.

1. What we
know now
An insight from the current
PhD cohort

2. In the first year….
 Work hard early.
 Go to as many workshops and seminars
as you can.
 So while you are lost (you will be) at least
you feel you will achieving something.
 Structure your time.

3. Topic….
 Own your topic.
 You must be really interested in it – it is
yours for 3 years.
 It is your topic not your supervisors.
 If you are still unsure, there are workshops
on refining your topic.

4. Supervisors….
 Research your supervisor
 Which students have they supervised?
 What has been said about their
supervision?
 Student/supervisor relationship.
 Ensure you are on the same page.
 Supervisors don’t bite (well not often).

5. Time Management….
 You need the discipline to keep focused
for three years.
 Although 3 years is not that long.
 Have a very clear timetable.
 Leave plenty of time between first draft
and final submission.

6. Other PhD Students….
 Great source of information.
 They are/have been through the same
problems you are facing.
 Enjoy learning from other people
 (some of the are really smart!)

7. You….
 Learn to write and think critically.
 Just start writing
 It doesn’t have to be perfect.
 Have leisure time (and friends outside Uni).
 Don’t be afraid to approach Liza, Chris or
Laki if you have any issues.
 Have fun.

8. In Summary….
In the words of my supervisor:
“Finish your PhD now and then
you can work on your Nobel Prize.”