News, information and events for your Manchester student life
Throughout 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…
It 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…
We are deeply distressed by the escalating violence and loss of life in Israel and Gaza, and understand the conflict is of great concern for our University community, particularly those with friends, family or close ties to the region. We express our sympathy for all those now caught up in the escalating conflict. In these very…
Starting 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…
The Student Guide to Disabled Education: DSA and DASS So, you’re a student with a disability and you’re starting university – or maybe you’re already a student and newly diagnosed – what support should you set up? There are two main support systems for disabled students: DSA and DASS. You can apply and receive support from both services.…
For 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…
Following a cyber incident at the University that took place in June, we are upgrading My Manchester – the central hub for our online student services. While My Manchester is unavailable, you still have access to all our online student services – whether it’s checking your timetable, accessing Blackboard, or managing your payments, you can still get to them through direct links. Over…
Many have told me that research is not a linear process…a very understated sentence in my experience! For me, it has been very different to undergraduate and even master’s experiences. Although you will be drawing on others’ research from similar fields, you will be working to create something very unique. Many of us lead on…
For me, the biggest shock about moving back to university to study for my Master’s was moving from a life growing up in the Yorkshire countryside to a life living in the second biggest city in the UK. I didn’t expect this, and thought I’d adjust just fine. I was excited, even, to live in…
If, like me, you prefer to order a mocktail as opposed to a cocktail when you are on a night out, then this blog is for you. I wanted to create a piece that detailed ideas for socials that do not encompass alcoholic drinks. 1. Activity bars A good way to enjoy a night out…
One thing I was excited about when starting my PhD was all the opportunities to write, read, research and present. I love getting stuck into new things but equally find it a challenge to see smaller tasks and projects through to the finish line on a short-term basis. However, as time as progressed, I have…
When coming to university, I didn’t anticipate how much time would be spent in my own company. Whether it’s commuting to lectures or days at the weekend, you can find yourself alone. It can be easy to feel lost or isolated, but with time, you can learn to appreciate your own company and find happiness…
When it comes to ways of working on a PhD, many online and computer-based study tools are thrown our way for various reasons. This could be for productivity, project management and personal accountability, or organising your writing to name a few! However, for some people these may inhibit creativity as well as emphasise personal shame…
My PhD experience so far has not been a smooth one, like a lot of PhD students! Particularly in terms of my nervous system, so I have been trying to learn techniques to help regulate, to understand, and even use the way my nervous system works to my advantage. Our nervous systems can be crucial…
Whether you may have just started your PhD or have been studying for a while, there will be many unexpected things you are having to get used to. No matter how far you are into your PhD, challenges are likely to come up more frequently than you might expect. Such challenges can leave us feeling…