Author: Cherene de Bruyn // Editor: Erin Pallott

Starting a PhD is no small feat—only about 1% of the global population ever achieves this milestone. It’s tough, and for good reason. A PhD demands a whole range of skills: analysing data, writing, managing your time, and communicating your ideas. Some of these you already have—after all, you made it into a PhD program, so you’ve got the basics down. But, there are skills that postgraduate researchers (PGRs) still need to develop along the way. On top of that, many new PGRs will need to figure out how to balance the freedom of a flexible schedule with the heavy demands of research, supervisor expectations, and funding deadlines. It’s no wonder maintaining a decent work-life balance as a PGR can feel like an uphill battle.

During those first six months, you’ll likely find yourself trying to juggle all these new skills while managing the endless tasks that come with the territory. It’s a steep learning curve, and there’s so much advice out there on how to survive and thrive in a PhD programme that it can feel a bit overwhelming. In fact, a quick search with the help of your friendly neighbourhood AI confirms that there are more blog posts and articles written on how to survive and succeed as a PhD student than on the reasons behind Pluto’s reclassification as a dwarf planet! Although there are many articles highlighting the complexity of this academic path, being successful and enjoying this adventure in your life is not impossible.

With the new academic year just around the corner, now is the perfect time to set some fresh goals and build good habits that will help you stay on track. James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, points out that the start of something new—like a week, a month, or a school year—is the best time to make positive changes. So, as summer winds down, why not take this chance to reset and gear up for success? I’ve pulled together a few tips and hacks that helped me in my first six months. So whether you’re just starting out or feeling like you need a little boost to get back on track I’m sure they will help you too.

A PhD is a marathon, not a sprint (also the title of a book by Dr Vanessa Corcoran which details the challenges and perseverance needed for running a marathon and completing a PhD). Unlike a master’s degree, your PhD journey will stretch over several years. As you progress through your PhD, you will most likely be managing several components of your PhD project at the same time. It will become overwhelming very quickly. To stay on track, you need to break down the components of your PhD into smaller, manageable pieces. Think of it as eating an elephant—you take one bite at a time. Using a Gantt chart is a good way to map out the different components, deadlines, and milestones of your PhD. It helps you visualise your entire PhD journey, even if it’s just a rough outline, giving you something to work towards. You can use the Gantt chart to break your thesis down into chapters, to tackle each chapter step by step. The same goes for your reading and research: divide it into smaller tasks and focus on one piece at a time, like writing a few words every week, or reading two papers a day. Soon you will be achieving your goals one by one – like ticking items off a list. As you complete each task, you’ll start to feel more productive because you’re seeing real progress. Checking items off your list not only keeps you motivated but also gives you a sense of accomplishment. And don’t forget to celebrate those small victories—they’re the building blocks that will lead you to success.

Early in your PhD journey, you’ll have some time before your research studies kick-off. As you settle into PGR life, use this period wisely. Plan your days so that you have dedicated time set aside for reading and writing and make notes as you go. As a PGR you’ll be diving into countless articles throughout your PhD and revisiting them later might be tough—except for key texts, which you’ll definitely return to. Start your reading and writing early. Not only will this deepen your understanding of your topic, but it’ll also give you valuable insights into the methods you’ll likely use in your research. To stay productive and keep track of everything, use digital reference managers like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote to organise all the books, chapters, and articles you’re gathering. As you read, highlight key points for future reference and make notes in your own words to ensure you fully understand what you’ve read. Using what you’ve learned in Tip 1, set small but manageable writing goals for yourself like writing 500 words a week to begin with. Some of the best writing advice I’ve heard for PGRs who struggle to get started because they’re waiting for the perfect words is this: Don’t start at the beginning – Instead, start writing in the middle. If you’re finding it hard to put words on the page, begin with your methods section or dive into specific parts of a chapter. You can always rearrange and polish later. The key is to just start writing—it’s much easier to edit or improve something that’s already there.

Photo by Callum Shaw on Unsplash

If you are lucky enough to be assigned an office space with other PGRs, set up your space to ensure maximum productivity with minimal distractions. Keep your desk space clean and clear of clutter. When reading and writing, you will need to focus to understand and process information. If the office is noisy, get yourself a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones (these will also be great for the many MS Teams and Zoom meetings you will need to attend). Developing a daily routine with specific times set out for reading, writing, and lab work. Breaking your day into blocks will help you stay focused. Dr Andy Stapleton of the Academic Insider blog emphasises structuring your day to contribute to your productivity. Keep your environment clear of distractions, but you can set time aside to enjoy the apps you like during breaks and lunch when you are relaxing and don’t need to focus (it’s all about balance). If you are easily distracted by your phone, leave it in your bag or in the desk drawer. Another useful tip is to install a browser extension on your PC/laptop or a focus app on your phone that blocks social media notifications and restricts screen time during the day – leaving you free to dive into your work without the constant temptation of digital distractions.

Photo by Peter Herrmann on Unsplash

The first six months of your PhD will most likely be the period that has the least routine and structure. During this time, many PGRs focus on tasks like writing ethics applications, submitting proposals or program approvals, attending training sessions, beginning their reading, and, if fortunate, setting up at least one experiment. In this unstructured period, you are going to have to draw on your organisational skills to ensure that you don’t miss deadlines or important meetings. On the Academic Insider blog, the ability to meet deadlines is listed as one of the key skills any aspiring researcher should have. As a university researcher, you will most likely have access to a Microsoft or Google account. Use the calendar app to set up reminders for important dates and get into the habit of booking appointments as soon as you have made them. Additionally, to avoid procrastination, set deadlines for yourself and stick to them. This will contribute greatly to developing a good work ethic that will serve you well for the rest of your PhD journey.

As you settle into PhD life, you’ll likely attend various induction and welcome sessions in the first few months (and yes, you definitely should, they are a great place to meet other PGRs). One message you’ll hear repeatedly in these sessions is the importance of taking ownership of your PhD. It is after all your project. But don’t forget that as much as this project is about you, you have a team that is meant to support and guide you through the process. As you plan your week or month (using your trusty calendar app), make sure to schedule regular meetings with your supervisory team. If you’re an international student, staying on top of these meetings is important—not just for your research, but for student VISA purposes too! Plus, keeping notes is always a smart move, helping you stay organised and showing your commitment to your academic progress. Regular meetings with your team are essential for keeping them up to date on your progress, celebrating both big and small wins, and setting future goals. According to The Savvy Scientist, meeting with your supervisors regularly is a great way to gain clarity, receive feedback, and get fresh perspectives on any challenges you’re facing. Use these sessions to refine your research direction, identify gaps for further training and get advice to improve your work.

PhDs are stressful, and you will most likely feel that stress within the first 6 months, but it’s essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance. One trick recommended by The Savvy Scientist is to treat your PhD like a 9-to-5 job to avoid spending excessive hours on campus. This approach allows you to manage your time effectively and to take breaks when needed. Balancing your workload is also vital to prevent burnout. Ensure you get enough sleep, and manage your stress. Use your breaks and weekends as an opportunity to explore your new home, discover new coffee shops (caffeine: You will need it!) and check out local events. Engage in activities outside of academia to recharge. Outdoor exercise, such as walking or jogging (maybe join a Parkrun) not only relieves stress but also boosts your mood with the release of endorphins. Make it a habit to spend time outside the office to maintain your physical and mental well-being.

As a PGR you will have access to support from your university’s Wellbeing and Support services. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance. They are there to give advice and help you navigate the challenges of graduate life.

Photo by Tayfun Dikmen on Unsplash

So, as you embark on this PhD journey, think of it as a marathon – pace yourself and build endurance. Remember to break the various components and tasks into manageable chunks, create a productive workspace that fuels your productivity, stay organised, and find balance. By doing this, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the PhD journey. And don’t forget to celebrate the small wins along the way!

About the author

Cherene de Bruyn is a first-year PGR at Liverpool John Moores University, in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences and the Forensic Research Institute. You can find her on X @Cherenedebruyn