Thread by @RashaShanaz

Ok #AcademicTwitter. This month, I'm entering my 3rd year of PhD! yayy🎉

I was looking through my 1st research journal and found these "tips" I had written for myself. I thought I'll share them here.

So, here's a 🧵of #PhDtips for those starting their PhD!

#PhDlife #PhDchat

1. Maintain a #PhDjournal📒
Experiments, results, failures, meetings w/ guide, seminars, weekly plans, proposal brainstorming, talk prep - everything related to your PhD in one notebook.

(coursework & journal notes can be separate, but I used the same note. 1 note/year for me)

2. Read a lot of journal articles. A lot.
It is the best way to take your research forward!

(I wanted to try the #365papersChallenge, but couldn't keep up. I read way fewer papers than I want myself to. This could be my sign from the universe to step up!)
#journalclub

3. Organize your #literature collection from the beginning

Annotate journal articles (print/digital) & organize with a #ReferenceManager. Create a spreadsheet w/ searchable summaries+tags (@NotionHQ/@obsdmd great for this)

#literatureReview #LitRev

4. Schedule weekly meetings with your supervisor and NEVER miss them. This routine will help you stay on track and maintain credibility.

5. Build a routine: Be on time, leave on time

6. Buy good highlighters, sticky notes & #stationery (THE MOST IMPORTANT TIP 😂)

7. Don't procrastinate. It will add an extra year to your graduation

8. You will gain great satisfaction when you overcome difficulties. So don't be discouraged.
It is the most important part of doctoral training.

9. Learn. In every way possible.

Never miss a talk in your department, attend conferences and workshops, take online courses, and discuss with your peers from other disciplines. #PhDchat #AcademicChatter

10. Don't treat your PhD like college or work
It is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience. You are going to advance knowledge of humanity. So indulge completely and enjoy it!

#PhDlife is special.

That's it!😁

P.S: This is NOT an exhaustive list. These are just what I told myself when I started❤️

Did you tell yourself any of these to yourself as a #PhDbeginner?
Tell me your favourite #PhDadvice/ the best ones you received!

#phdvoice #gradschool #gradlife #ScienceTwitter