10 Tips For First Year PhD Students | Advice to make your PhD easier

Hey friends,
Welcome back to another video, I've been feeling very reflective about my PhD experience and thinking about what advice I would give to my first year self or to students just starting their PhD. Given it's the start of a new academic year, I thought I would share my top 10 tips for first year PhD students to make your PhD easier from the offset. If you're starting a PhD this October, I hope you find these useful!
Much love,
Beth x
#PhD #PhDAdmission2023 #FirstYearPhDTips
----------------- Contents of this video -----------------
00:00 - Intro
00:44 - Accepting failure
02:16 - Creating a system
03:57 - Be receptive to change
05:06 - Set expectations with your supervisors
05:39 - Diversify your skillset
06:40 - Your PhD is what you make of it
07:41 - Get involved in your research community
08:31 - Use all the recourses available to you
09:40 - Treat your PhD like a job
11:04 - Take time off
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✨ FAQ ✨
What kind of content do you make?
I make videos about science, doing a PhD and living with tinnitus and hearing loss, with a little bit of life thrown in too.
Who are you? I’m Beth, I’m a northern first-generation student that's recently finished a PhD in biology and is embarking on a career in academia.
How old are you? I’m 28, although I often forget how old I am. I feel about 20 sometimes…
Where are you from? I’m originally from North Lincolnshire but currently live in Leeds with my partner Zach and our two cats, Hendricks & Pablo.
How long have you had tinnitus & hearing loss?
I’ve had tinnitus in my left ear for over 11 years and subsequent hearing loss for about 9 years.
What was your PhD research on?
I’m studying platelet signalling pathways in the context of cardiovascular disease. I basically ask for blood donations all the time which makes me feel like a vampire.
Where did you study?
University of Leeds
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[@ia6640]

Thank you so much Beth! I am about to start a PhD at the University of Leeds and it's so nice to have your hear your perspective and advice. Super helpful! x

[@BethologyScience]

Ah I’m so pleased!! Best of luck!!

[@surajpowar4915]

Wow, such a great insight. I am struggling to have my work-life balance. As a grad student, we teach, take classes, do homework for that class, do grading and research. It is exhausting. I always promise my self I will sleep on time but fail to do so. Thank you for advice, I will try to adopt some from yours. Hope something works out. Thank you again.❤

[@BethologyScience]

There are a lot of demands as a grad student but the main priority is looking after yourself!