Reading is often a lone-person hobby. Research often involves reading itself, so the last thing you want to do in your spare time is read even more. But it’s also not exactly the best way to make friends. Except when coupled with clubs. Manpreet Kaur shares her experiences of attending various reading clubs and poetry…
The COVID pandemic has been very challenging for everyone in many ways. As doctoral students whose work keeps us relatively isolated in libraries and labs anyway, we have faced extra isolation and problems of access to research materials because of COVID restrictions. But, as the UK moves out of lockdown restrictions, in a series of…
All PhD students have to do an upgrade review. Read below for blogger Ellie’s top tips for your upgrade success.
Picking up an increasingly heavier load may seem daunting. Going through a slow and tiring intellectual process like a PhD can also take its toll. In this blog post, our editor Lúcia shares her experience with weightlifting and explores how it can relate to her PhD journey so far.
The continuing restrictions of the lockdown in the UK have frustrated many and put a strain on wellbeing. But creative activities, such as drawing and painting, have a proven positive effect on wellbeing. Giles Penman discuss the benefits of drawing which he, University of Warwick Wellbeing Adviser Janet Winter and other research students encountered in an OnTrack session earlier this term.
As with anything, the key to a healthy PhD is an effective work-life balance. It is important to take pauses and breaks during your PhD to avoid burnout and so that you can enjoy what you do rather than viewing it as a liability. Manpreet Kaur discusses how she sprinkles breaks in her weeks and months.
Life as a researcher can be very hectic with long hours in the library or the laboratory. And after all that hard and tiring work it can be all too easy to reach for the takeaway menu or the ready meal. But Giles Penman discusses his experiences of cooking to relieve stress and promote health and wellbeing.
It is useful to have something creative outside of work to turn to when you want to enjoy downtime and relax and recharge. Manpreet Kaur discusses here how writing and sharing poetry has been one of her favourite go-to hobbies since her days at school.
Lockdowns and social restrictions over the past year because of the COVID-19 pandemic have been very isolating, particularly so for postgraduate researchers who often spend long periods alone studying at home. But Giles Penman discusses his positive experiences of looking after a pet while studying for his PhD.
The winter with its cold and bleak weather was hard amid the lockdown. But now, finally, the weather is becoming brighter, and spring is in the air. Giles Penman discusses his positive experiences of enjoying walking and photography in the sunshine.
While you may want to keep your head down and eyes focused on your research, blogger Ellie King talks about the benefits of becoming a rounded researcher, and some top tips on where to start.
Over the past few months, we have been stuck inside for long periods, often by ourselves. We have not been able to visit galleries or attend art classes. Lockdown has been tough without many creative outlets. But Giles Penman presents an artistic solution at an upcoming virtual OnTrack session.
Ever worry about how much work you’re putting into your research? About how much progress you’re making? Blogger Ellie King reflects on her experiences with her work-ethic being both her friend and enemy.
Struggle to stop procrastinating? Find yourself constantly scrolling through Twitter when you should really be working? If you want to get focused and keep concentrating, blogger Ellie has put together a list of the best websites and apps for just that.
The past few weeks in lockdown have been very hard. We are on lockdown inside. The weather is poor outside. And the libraries, cafes, cinemas, bars and restaurants are all closed because of the lockdown. Giles Penman offers a possible activity to brighten our moods at this challenging time.
Exploring the emotional processes involved in both being and becoming academic
Musings of a nutty professor in the making
molding Research in the mainstream
Because there's always room for improvement
The evolving tale of my PhD as it happens
physio.researcher.illustrator
Language, Digital Media and the Family
