PhDiaries: Why being kind to yourself is important
As PhD researcher Rachel takes on the final stages of her PhD she reflects on how learning to be kind to herself is one of the most important lessons she’s learned.
Rachel
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Read more: PhDiaries: Why being kind to yourself is important
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PhDiaries: Lessons from my first year – what I wish I had prioritised
Read more: PhDiaries: Lessons from my first year – what I wish I had prioritisedPostgraduate researcher Rachel continues her PhDiaries series by reflecting on the her failures and mistakes as a first year researcher – so you can avoid making them!
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My time in Manchester: (almost) 10 years have come and gone
Read more: My time in Manchester: (almost) 10 years have come and goneWith insights on personal growth, the city and life generally happening, read about Rachel’s reflections on studying in Manchester for the better part of a decade.
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PhDiaries: A reminder for when you think you are a failure
Read more: PhDiaries: A reminder for when you think you are a failureImposter syndrome and the dread of unfinished work – have a read through Rachel’s experience with working through mental challenges.
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PhDiaries – A 3rd year looking back
Read more: PhDiaries – A 3rd year looking backAs I look back as a third year PhD researcher, it has made me realise a lot about how I feel about life and the things I really care about. It has also heightened my awareness of the reality of doing a PhD, based on my experience. I wanted to share these with you in…
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What I wish others knew about being a disabled (PGR) student
Read more: What I wish others knew about being a disabled (PGR) studentAs I have written in previous blogs before, I am a disabled PGR student. A lot of people might have certain perceptions of the everyday struggles faced as a disabled PGR. While from my experience there is a collective understanding and consensus of some of the issues faced, every disabled person is different and experiences…
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PhDiaries: Taking it slower and what I have learnt from doing so
Read more: PhDiaries: Taking it slower and what I have learnt from doing soAfter 2022 and 2023, I realised I felt exhausted and burnt out from dealing with newness around PhD life as well as health challenges. I noticed one of the things that triggered this was that my habitual pace could only be describes as ‘very rushed’. I didn’t feel intentional with how I was doing things, I…
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A letter to my final year undergraduate self as a final year PhD researcher
Read more: A letter to my final year undergraduate self as a final year PhD researcherDear Me, You’ve made it this far, whatever happens next is a bonus. The first experience in life where you have become independent from home has been a tough one, but there has been plenty of enjoyment during your time here too. I know you’re feeling anxious about your results and what is next for…
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PhDiaries: Resting from your work
Read more: PhDiaries: Resting from your workThe festive season over December often sees many indulgences as well as time away from work…or at least trying to do the latter. As opportunity-filled and exciting as academia can be, the pressure to not switch off and taking a break from your screen/desk can be a real work culture challenge. It can be full…
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PhDiaries: What I wished I had prioritised and learned from my first year
Read more: PhDiaries: What I wished I had prioritised and learned from my first yearThroughout my time doing a PhD, I have figured there is a lot of learning through failure and mistakes…like a lot of things. I wanted to put together a few things I thought would have been so helpful to have known as a first year PhD researcher looking back now. I believe had I known…
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PhDiaries Cosy campus and city writing spaces blog
Read more: PhDiaries Cosy campus and city writing spaces blogIt can be very easy to get stuck around campus when you have some focused work to complete, or you are getting down to some focused writing. To take a break away from stuffy office spaces and the crowded libraries, here are a few recommendations of my favourite places to visit as alternatives. Chapter One…
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Getting used to university living as an undergraduate student
Read more: Getting used to university living as an undergraduate studentYou’ve arrived in Manchester and are starting a whole new chapter of your life. There really is a lot that goes on in your first year and a lot to get used to in your first semester too. Because you might have a lot to get your head round this year, including the newness of…
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Sharing second year: tips for living with others in housing
Read more: Sharing second year: tips for living with others in housingSo, you’ve survived your first year of university, and hopefully found some moments of thriving too. Second year might be a time when things change from what you experienced in first year such as moving into a shared house from halls. This blog post provides tips for moving to second year living spaces. This is based on…
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PhDiaries: Settling into PhD life
Read more: PhDiaries: Settling into PhD lifeStarting PhD life can be different for any new researchers. You may be fresh out of studying undergraduate or a postgraduate degree, returning to academia after a while, or maybe even brand new to the academic environment. Whatever your experience at university, I want to provide a few areas for you to start to prioritise…
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PhDiaries: Approaching conferences as a neurodivergent student
Read more: PhDiaries: Approaching conferences as a neurodivergent studentFor many, conferences are really exciting times for research. Our ideas and knowledge can be shared and collaborations can be formed with others across organisations at conferences and events. At the PhD stage, conferences can often be discussed as both a great opportunity for a researcher as well as a crucial part of disseminating work…