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.

News, information and events for your Manchester student life

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.

Postgraduate 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!

With 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.

Reflecting on the transition from China to Manchester, Aurora shares initial impressions and tips for new students.

Imposter syndrome and the dread of unfinished work – have a read through Rachel’s experience with working through mental challenges.

As my time in Manchester draws to and end and graduation nears, I have been taking time to reflect on the last-four year of my life as a student.

As a master’s student with a dissertation deadline looming at the end of summer, I understand firsthand how crucial it is to find a balance during these busy months – Here are my tips.

Picture this: You’re desperately trying to cram for that dreaded exam. You find what seems like the perfect spot in the library – quiet, plenty of desk space, and within arm’s reach of a power outlet. You settle in, ready to conquer the mountain of material in front of you. But then, it happens… The…

It’s that time of year again. The amount of work that is piling high on your shoulders is enough to make you go crazy, but rather than running away or dropping out (which we’re all guilty of saying) you make your way to the Main Library. Here’s where you find out that you’re not the…

Don’t shoot the messenger, but exams will be here soon enough! Balancing assessments and exams can be a stressful thought, but there’s plenty of easy steps you can take to ensure you set yourself up for a successful exam season. Take note of all important dates Seems obvious to start with this one, but despite…

As a neurodivergent student, navigating university life can present unique challenges and obstacles that other students may not be familiar with. It can be a lonely feeling if you don’t have a support system that understands the complexity of having a neurodevelopmental or mental health condition in an academic environment. At the University of Manchester,…

As I am writing this I have successfully (by the skin of my teeth) reached the halfway point of my master’s in psychology research. I’ve found myself reflecting on the choices I made a little over a year ago that led me to where I am today, one of the most pivotal being the choice…

When trying to live more sustainably, what’s on our plates matters. Food production accounts for over a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, and a third of this food ends up going to waste. Although this is a systemic problem that requires widespread action, considering what we eat and where it comes from as individuals…

As a transgender non-binary person, I’m well aware of not feeling “trans enough” (a stupid sentiment, I know) to receive the support and respect I deserve. The experience of having to lie about some aspect of my identity is not new to me or to other trans people, especially in the context of receiving care,…

This is week, (18th – 22nd March 2024) is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. Here, one of our student content creators has shared her blog about famous and successful people with neurodivergent minds. Neurodivergent disabilities can unfortunately sometimes viewed as a source of shame or pity,…