Top Tips for Starting a PhD at a New University

#1 Become familiar with the procedures and techniques they use in your new department

You may find that your new university utilises different academic processes to what you’re used to. This could include a new way of carrying out experimental techniques to an alternative referencing system. It's worth trying to find someone who is willing to let you shadow them or provide support the first time you do a certain procedure. In my case, the university I moved to did cell culture very differently to my old institution. I was lucky that the lab manager found time to sit down with me and showed me how they carry out cell culture here.

Chatting to people is a good way to find out about new methods and understand the best practice for the experiment you are carrying out. Being willing to change your previously learned ways makes you able to adapt to a new system quicker when you start a new role after your PhD. You could also use this as an example during a job interview when you are asked about your ability to adapt to change. Also, you may pick up a trick or two which could even save you some time!

#2 Meet your supervisor as soon as possible

Try to arrange a meeting on the same day or week of your induction. This will allow you to have a chat with your supervisor, get to know them a bit better and identify what you should focus on for your first few months while you settle in. By establishing a plan of action early on it gives you something to focus on while you are settling in. You can also decide how often you’ll meet and come to an agreement of what you should do before your next meeting.

For the first few months your supervisor will probably want you to have a slow start and settle into your new university so take this time to explore your new department, get to know people and find out what resources are available to you so you can carry out your research later.

#3 Create your own PhD survival guide

Write down all important contact numbers, opening times and basically create yourself a PhD handbook containing of all the key information you should know. For myself this is key contacts within the department, when my three-month review (along with other important PhD milestones) is due, the time our department store is open so we can collect scientific equipment we have ordered in along with important websites which I will use for my research.

You can tailor your survival guide to suit your discipline and what you need to know. Most of this key information will be given to you during your induction. As your PhD progresses carry on adding important details to your handbook so you can ensure you have all the information at your fingertips when you need it.

#4 Befriend someone who knows how the department works

Often you will meet new PhD students during your induction – see if any of the new starters attended the University at undergraduate or Masters level. They may be able to offer you insight on how the university runs, what websites and procedures are used to access learning materials and they could be a potential person to answer any future questions.

You will also meet other students from your department. Get to know them and don’t be afraid to ask them questions if you feel stuck. Make sure you keep in contact with the PhD student representatives. These are students within the department that will raise any issues or queries to staff members and then feedback any information or changes that will be implemented to resolve the issue back to you. The student reps will be able to help and advise you too.

#5 Get involved with your department

You may find that they have internal roles such as student representative posts. If you have previous experience of being a representative (or just fancy giving the role a go) put yourself forward. It’s a great chance to get to know more people within the department as you raise issues brought to you from other students. It also looks great on your CV!

Other ways to get involved include joining clubs or societies, organising meetups for other PhD students or taking part in department led activities. Ask around and see what your department organises and tag along if the activity is something you like! You could also suggest some ideas. I could think of a few things that my old institution did well that I wanted to bring to my new university and now some of them will be implemented next year. Have a brainstorm and see what you think your new department could benefit from.

#6 Explore the area if you are moving to a new city/country

You could even invite some of the new people you meet out to coffee or for a walk – let them pick the place you visit if you’re new to the area. This is a great way to find some hidden gems in your new home.

#7 Embrace being new and not knowing everything

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and ask for help if you need it. You’ll find that lots of people are more than happy to help you with your experiments or give tips and tricks to settling into your new university. So far multiple people have offered to help me when learning how to use a new piece of equipment, make up a new buffer or they’ve even given me some of their reagents as I did not have my own yet.

You should also be proud of yourself for deciding to move to a new institution. It’s good to get a wide experience of what different universities and countries have to offer. It’s a big deal stepping outside of your comfort zone from the university you have come to know like the back of your hand to a new institution. Just remember that you learned everything about your old university from scratch so you can definitely do it again at your new one!

#8 Keep in contact with friends made from your previous university

It’s always good to make new connections but it is important to keep in touch with your older ones too. Who knows, maybe one of your peers has also decided to venture to a new university and is working in a similar area to your own. This way you could create collaborations with your peers or keep an eye on what work they are up to at a different institute.