Term 1 wrap-up - 5 things I learnt this term
Hi everyone, it’s me!
This week marks the end of the Term 1 at RHUL!
EDIT - when I started writing this article, I intended to have it posted by the 17th, but then I came down with some sort of monster flu virus - I have not been this ill since COVID! So I’m currently curled up in bed putting the finishing touches before I try and have a nap (though my son doesn’t think that’s a good idea and likely won’t allow it! Anyway…)
Here are 5 things I’ve learnt this first term as a PhD student.
The beautiful Founder’s Building at RHUL - where I spend precisely 0% of my time :(
I’m not an expert… YET!
If you saw my blog post on Imposter Syndrome, you’ll know I fell hard into the ‘Valley of Despair’ on that Knowledge/Confidence graph (The Dunning-Kruger Effect). I wouldn’t say I’m close to being out of it, but one thing I am trying to do is be a lot nicer to myself.
I / You / We, are PhD students. We don’t have to know everything just yet. We are here to learn.
For the first few weeks I felt I should know everything there was to know about guppies, their behaviour and how I was going to change the world with my thesis…. that’s a lot of pressure! And impossible. With training to undertake, meetings and seminars to attend, people to meet and a life still to live, I still feel I am barely on the way to knowing everything about my subject. But, it’s been less than 3 months!
I’m not an expert… Yet. But I will be! As will you.
Give yourself time to grow into your new role.
2. Academics are actually just people
Seriously, who knew!? Those super-smart multiple-times-published, scary, know-everything Professors are actually just as easy-going, as approachable, as silly, and just as funny as the students.
I jest a little, of course. There is always an air of professionalism in a workplace, and all kinds of personalities. But since starting at RHUL, along with my secondary university, I have really enjoyed engaging with academics and staff from all areas throughout the university, and occasionally been surprised at just how helpful, how interested in my research, and how approachable everyone is.
Try and take the time to attend staff / university events and meet your colleagues, fellow PhD students, and staff from other departments. You never know who you might meet who might end up playing a crucial role in your research. I am atrocious at networking, and I hate it if an event is billed as such! But actually this term has involved a lot of informal networking, which I didn’t even think of at the time, I was just happy to be talking about science and conservation, and even video games!
3. Brown noise for the win
I’m massively back into reading at the moment (see PhD in Rest Mode if that’s also your thing!), and it was watching a BookTuber vlog (forgive me) as she read whilst listening to brown noise that made me try this one.
And honestly, I’m here for it.
When reading for myself, or reading academic papers, writing my lit review or whilst working in the cosier setting of the campus coffee shop, listening to brown noise has helped shut out the distractions, and I have found myself to be more productive.
I am adding this to my 5 things with a little trepidation - I must note this a is purely personal opinion, subject to my own personal use of brown noise*.
*(Please note, I have not read any literature on this and do not suggest here the scientific or medical benefits and/or implications - please do read up on this if you feel you need to).
But, if like me, you’ve been getting overwhelmed at the start of your PhD, you find you have barely any time to read or write, and when you do get some time, you want to make the most of it, maybe give this a try and see how it goes.
4. Take time off
This one is more of a reminder. I haven’t had to take much personal time off so far. But thinking 24/7 about your thesis, meetings, training, the thousand and one things you have to do, is going to wear you down.
If you have an event, are travelling, or even if you just need a break, take some time away from thinking about your PhD and just be you for a while. You are entitled to annual leave; remember to take it. It will help in the long run.
5. This could be the start of the best time of your life
When I was applying for a PhD, I had a lot of opinions thrust upon me. And sometimes I didn’t appreciate it. Especially when it was about the cons of PhD study. It felt a little bit like the dreaded unsolicited advice given by ‘experienced’ parents to new parents (if that’s you by the way, don’t do it please, it’s very annoying). I felt a little like they were stepping on my plans for my future.
But it is important to consider all aspects, and whether PhD study is right for you. Or, if it is right for you right now. Looking back, I would not have been in the best position to start my doctorate with a demanding two-year-old. But fast forward 18 months, with my son settled in nursery, and - definitely not all, but - many of the toddler hardships diminishing, starting a PhD for me in September 2025 was a significantly better fit.
And I am loving it!
Obviously there are multiple ways to pursue and complete a PhD, but as a full-time student, dedicating the next 3.5-4 years to research, with flexibility, individual responsibility, and the benefits that come with being a student… WHAT A TIME!
Stressful; yes. Overwhelming; yes. Am I expecting to cry?; yes.
But these next few years will be unlike any I have yet experienced, and very likely never will again.
If you haven’t yet been told that your PhD will be the best time of your life, I’m telling you now. I’ve only just started but I wholeheartedly believe this to be true!
Enjoy it!
Until next time,
have a very Happy Christmas and New Year!
x
