“Dogs melt my heart” Quote of the day! The event at College Garth Rescue Kennels was the PhDSSN first Action event collaborated with LSU Action. We walked rescue dogs at the local kennel. This was a fantastic way to have a break from work, have a nice walk around the area with some adorable doggies […]
“Going back to childhood, finding the eggs” Quote of the day! Landscaping and Gardening Society Shed (LAGS) and Cook ‘n’ Bake Society are working together with PHDSSN on a FREE and fun Easter Egg Hunt. All are welcome, but we want to extend a special welcome to those with families! Feel free to come along […]
Volunteering with a local organisation can reap great rewards. Whilst research and writing up take up the lion’s share of undertaking a PhD, there is the Skills Matrix that also has to be completed, especially when working towards the progression panel meeting. Often referred to as ‘The Wheel of Fortune’, the Skills Matrix has four […]
There may be budding thespians among you who are looking for an opportunity to ‘tread the boards’. PhDs are hard work and often isolating, so joining a society could be conducive to finding a distracting relaxation. The LSU Shakespeare Society may be the answer, whether an actor or a beholder, it promises exceptional productions. Find […]
Looking back, our blog posts have reflected on problems faced whilst researching and writing up a PhD and many helpful suggestions have been explored, especially in times of crisis and uncertainty. There have been some useful links to where help can be found and there are more on our home page under Links/Support Services. The […]
I’ve just read Dr Andrew Rowe’s blog, which was posted about 10 months ago, called “Student Minds: The Importance of Support”. I am grateful to Andrew for sharing his experiences and his hope that it would encourage other PGRs to open up. Job done, Andrew, because what follows is a summary of some of my […]
I successfully defended my PhD viva back in March 2017. I was only in there for 50 minutes, which felt like 3 hours! “Enjoy it,” I was told by friends and fellow peers, “it will be the only time you will get to talk to people who are genuinely interested in your research.” To be […]
It’s something that we, as PhD students, don’t do often enough – seek help, and knowing when to seek help is important as well. I think sometimes it’s the perception that we may be seen as weak by others if we do seek help, especially in a competitive academic environment where mental illness is stigmatised […]
This blog post is probably one of the most important I have written because speaking from experience, PhD students always struggle to switch off and relax. But in actual fact, it’s as important as writing the thesis. One of the first ways I help my mind, as well as my body, is through a type […]
There is life, which exists beyond a PhD; believe it or not and despite me saying that my PhD has taken over my life, there still should be some space to enjoy oneself. Striking the balance between work and life is tough and it doesn’t just affect us PhD students but coupled with the mental, […]
