Productivity, the twelve-letter word PhD students the world over find all too familiar. With countless books, apps, social media influencers, and software like Teams promising us “the secret to boosting your productivity!” – and not forgetting having a thesis to write – it’s not surprising we have productivity on the brain. Virtually all of us... Continue Reading →
The Literature Review: not so impossible after all
How do you see your literature review? Is it a giant, unattainable piece of work? Or is an achievable challenge that you’re confident in producing? Either way, the literature review is a daunting task that looms over every PhD student. It’s no easy feat that’s for sure, but with these handy tips you’ll be well... Continue Reading →
Living in Limbo: Life post-submission
The end of the thesis is quite a drawn-out affair. Between hitting the ‘submit’ button and sitting the Viva, you’re in a holding zone, agonisingly close to being PhDone. But, for many, it’s not just a waiting game, with jobs to be searched for or – maybe – begin, and the spectre of funding about... Continue Reading →
On the Thesis Path: January Blues
In this series, blogger Lucia keeps a record of her progress and experience in the months leading up to submission. It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day. It’s a new year and you still have to write your thesis. After the holiday period, after the omicron wave and fear, and in what probably is... Continue Reading →
A Student Perspective on Writing Groups
One of the regular events that the Postgrad team in The Library offer is the Write Here, Write Now sessions. These events bring students together and provide a focused atmosphere for writing using the Pomodoro technique. This technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, provides 25 minutes of focused task time, followed by... Continue Reading →
Teaching what you (may not) know
Faced with an increasingly competitive academic jobs market, PGRs are often encouraged to teach alongside their research. At Warwick in any given year, several hundred researchers work across all departments of the university teaching lectures and seminars to undergraduate and masters students. Whilst it can be immensely enjoyable and rewarding, it can also be challenging... Continue Reading →
How to Respond to Reviewer Comments
As PhD students, you can hear a lot about a key activity of your research: publishing in journals. Writing up your research into succinct pieces that can be read and viewed by the wider academic world is key to building your profile and giving you experience of writing academically long before your thesis is due.... Continue Reading →
First Term Done
As we make our way through January and well into term two, first year PhD student and blogger Rupika reflects on her journey so far. By Rupika Gulati My first term is already finished, and I am into my second term, but I am not even sure where the time has gone. Reflecting on last... Continue Reading →
We’re Recruiting! Come and write for PhDLife
Are you a PhD student at Warwick? Would you like the opportunity to share your experiences of research with a global audience and earn some extra money? Here at PhDLife we're currently recruiting for new regular bloggers. Hear from editor Ellie King about what it's all about and why you should apply. Writing for PhDLife... Continue Reading →
Making the Most of your Conference Presentation
Recently, blog editor Ellie King presented her research to a virtual conference of museum professionals. Hear her reflections on how it went, and her tips on making the most of the opportunity. I like virtual conferences. Instead of having a room full of faces stare at me whilst I do my best to remember all... Continue Reading →