Thread by @Shaltalk

Great thread for anyone pursuing graduate studies. Here are my top 10 tips for a new #phdstudent in their first 6 months. #phdchat #AcademicTwitter
@AcademicChatter @PhDVoice @OpenAcademics #coachphd

https://twitter.com/MrAkashTrivedi/status/1382725410111229956

1. Start with an attitude of gratitude. If it was your choice to pursue a PhD, it’s a privilege. Imagine all the people who would love to have such an opportunity to extend their schooling beyond highschool, to learn a topic in depth, but couldn’t for all kinds of reasons.

2. Don’t rush. Take the time you need to choose your #dissertation topic wisely (of course stay within the timelines of your program for finalizing your choice) - if you can, discuss with your mentor/s a few avenues for your dissertation and the various pros/cons of each.

3. Be inspired. Choose a topic for your #dissertation that inspires you, because this inspiration is what will help drive you, right towards a successful end (through all the ups and downs…).

4. Build a quality network, not just a network. Take the time to build quality professional relationships with a few key people (mentors and student peers) that will be critical support for your phd journey. Connect with the #graduatestudent committee in your department/school.

5. Upgrade. Upgrade your computer equipment (or get access to a decent computer), and upgrade your knowledge on freely available software tools available on the net to support your research and project management needs.

6. Get informed. Is there a student guide? Read it! Find out the expectations of your program. Also, if you need financial support, ie scholarships - then discuss/review your CV with supervisor to assess what are the gaps and what you can do to increase your chances of success.

7. Prioritize. You can’t do it all. In collaboration with your supervisor, plan out which scholarships, which courses, and what else is important for you to address in the first six months of your PhD.

8. Breathe, and learn how to. Sounds silly, but in fact focussing on our breathing and learning to elicit relaxation response from breathing can go a long way in reducing the experience / impact of #stress from #school, and it costs nothing.

9. Balance things out. Think about the things you value and how you can incorporate those into your PhD journey, ie don't lose sight of them during the process. They can be in terms of your family/friends/relaxation/healthy lifestyle/other etc.

10. Enjoy! Wow, you made it this far, and a few years from now it will all be over…So, at the risk of cliche - stop and enjoy the roses. It’s a rare time when you are actually expected to spend a chunk of your time reading and reflecting…we don’t get to do this much #postPhD

@threadreaderapp unroll please :)