Our student ambassadors share their experiences of the first 6 months of their postgraduate research at the University of Manchester, what future students can expect and how they can prepare.

Remember to stay curious, seek support when needed, and maintain a healthy work-life balance – Rahul Jha, PhD Social Statistics

Rui Zheng

Develop a daily routine that includes dedicated time for research, writing, coursework (if applicable), and other academic activities. Having a structured schedule can help you stay focused and productive. Network with your peers, faculty members, and other researchers in your field. Collaboration and mentorship are key aspects of the PhD journey, so start building these relationships early on.

PhD Business and Management

Bulbul Prakash

Embarking on the first six months of doctoral studies is like stepping into a whirlwind of new experiences and challenges. It’s a time to settle into your academic environment, get to know your peers and professors, and fine-tune your research focus. Expect to spend considerable effort narrowing down your initial ideas into a clear research question. Building relationships within your department and wider academic community is crucial; these connections not only provide support but also open doors for collaboration and learning. Developing effective study habits early on – balancing research, coursework, and personal time – is key to staying on track. Be prepared for moments of uncertainty or writer’s block, but know that seeking guidance from mentors and utilizing campus resources will help navigate these hurdles. Ultimately, these first months are about growth and discovery, laying the groundwork for a fulfilling and successful PhD journey ahead.

PhD Politics

Amy Todd

• Jumping straight into the writing can be scary when you are still researching but it is useful and necessary;
• Take some time to let it all wash over you – don’t feel like you should be attending everything within your school;
• Make it clear how you and your supervisor will communicate and their expectations, and communicate your boundaries and how you work;
• Working out how much autonomy you have within your working arrangements.

PhD English Literature

Anuradha Ganapathy

The first six months is mostly chaotic because you are doing multiple things – settling down in a new city (if you are not from here that is), figuring out which courses you want to take, trying to build a rapport with your supervisor, getting to know your colleagues, and then of course, figuring out where to start with your own research. I think you will need to get used to feeling that you are always lagging behind. There is always something you feel you have not done, or have missed out on. That feeling is stressful and exhausting and frankly speaking, it never goes away, but you learn to live with it over a period of time. And most of all, you are reassured by the understanding that mostly everyone in academia (no matter that stage they are in) feels that way!

PhD Development Policy and Management

Rahul Jha

• Orientation and Onboarding: It will help new students to familiarize themselves with campus facilities, resources, and academic expectations. Attend these sessions to get a comprehensive overview of what the university has to offer.
• Supervisory Meetings: Initial meetings with your supervisor will be crucial. These sessions will help you to set research goals, discuss initial ideas, and outline a tentative research plan. It will help you to develop a research plan along with the skills required.
• Other training courses: Lots of other training courses are running simultaneously you can choose and join as per your needs and requirements.

Along with it, your mental and emotional adjustment is also very crucial. You need to manage your work stress and homesickness. Lots of fun sessions and events are organised by student societies. You are welcome to join.

In particular, with the first six months, you need to prepare for your mid-year review submission. The first six months of your PhD journey will be a period of adjustment, learning, and growth. By understanding what to expect and preparing for these challenges, you can set a strong foundation for your research and academic career.

PhD Social Statistics

Timothy Cheuk Yin

I recommend every prospective student think twice about their PhD proposal, delineate their research questions and construct a precise plan for the first six months. Starting a PhD project can be challenging. If you feel confused, feel free to seek advice from your supervisors and other available persons in the department, the faculty, the school, and the Doctoral Academy.

PhD History

The Humanities Doctoral Academy Support Hub, located in the Ellen Wilkinson Building

Luman Zhou

• Register for the research group of your department and join their email group;
• Learn to use electronic devices to record your schedule. Believe me, when you start to work on all projects simultaneously, electronic calendars will help you reduce missed and forgotten things and save your life;
• Join some clubs or organizations that can have a positive impact on you! For example, RIS monthly writing retreat;
• Actively communicate with your supervisor and don’t be afraid to ask any questions. Get in touch with each other’s expectations, ideas, work styles, etc. as soon as possible.

PhD Education

Rati Sandeep Choudhari

The first few months of your PhD will be about reading and reading as much you can and refining your objectives and questions. The process of streamlining the original proposal to create an achievable PhD project can be confusing and perhaps frustrating. But just remember, it is a part of the process, everyone goes through it. Trust your supervisor’s advice and keep at it and you will be fine!

PhD Architecture

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