Kickstart your PhD with joy, clarity and ease

This workshop is best suited for first-year PhD students who have just started their programme.

This session aims to address the importance of wellbeing and wellness early on in the research journey, and offers insights into the more personal and emotional aspects of doing postgraduate research.

By creating a safe, supported space for discussing these early concerns, and by answering common and frequently asked questions among new starters, this workshop offers realistic, ‘insider’ perspectives about the challenges and pleasures that PGRs can expect. The session will simultaneously furnish participants with positive practices to begin their research programme with greater joy, clarity and ease.

This workshop will cover four main subjects:

• Creating and sustaining a support system and academic community
• Finding your best work groove and peaceful, practical time management
• Academic identity, passion, interests and confidence
• What to do if things go wrong and dealing with challenges in the PhD

Although this session includes a teaching component, many small group/pair discussions will be incorporated across the four segments, encouraging participants to network, discuss concerns with peers, and begin to exchange and learn about diverse approaches to conducting research.