A Check (and Don’t-Check) List For Your First Week of PhD

Starting your PhD is really exciting but it can feel like information overload with timetables, modules and reading lists to get you started. You’ll have the first week to settle in so we’ve put together an easy checklist of the things you should make sure you’ve got sorted, and the things that you don’t need to lose sleep over yet.

Have you? . . .

1. Registered: When you first arrive at university, you’ll need to register. This is different than accepting an offer. It is your way of telling the university that you’re here and will actually be attending the course. This is also when you can collect your student card which is important for identification and to get access to university buildings. You’ll need to complete registration in-person and within a certain deadline. Your university will send you instructions on where, how and when to do this.
2. Sorted your funding information with your university: If you’ve applied for a UK government loan, make sure you’ve updated any parts that were to be confirmed such as your university and course. Your university will let you know exactly what you need to do. Don’t panic if you haven’t applied for a loan yet. If you’re eligible, you can apply for a government loan up to nine months before the first day of the last year of your course. If you're set to receive a stipend along with your funding, make sure correct bank details are uploaded to the university system.
3. Got access to the online student portal: Universities will usually have a student portal which’ll let you access your timetable, study materials, book study spaces, raise a maintenance request and much more. You’ll likely get a login once you’ve completed your registration.
4. Set up your university email: Your university will give you a unique email address for the duration of your course and this will be how your university, tutors and supervisors will contact you. A student email address (usually .ac.uk in the UK) will also help you access student discounts.
5. Got your timetable: If you’re set up on your university’s online student portal you should be able to find your timetable on it. Don't panic if the only thing in your calendar is a meeting with your supervisor. PhD students often don't have any compulsory classes. Your university will let you know if there are any compulsory modules you need to attend. This is your time to think about how often you wish to have catch-ups with your supervisor and how much time you wish to have for going to the lab (if needed). You can then see the time you have for self-study and/or part-time work.
6. Registered with university health services: Almost all universities will have health services attached. You can register with them to receive healthcare during your time as a student. Check with your university on how to register and if there are any deadlines. This is also a good time to check you have all the emergency phone numbers you need which include numbers for the university security and health services and the nearest hospital, police and fire stations.

“My first week was a blur of admin: getting enrolled, setting up my university email, getting a campus card, doing my health and safety induction, and meeting lots of new people. I was exhausted by the end!! Remember the start of your PhD has a lot of new things and it will take you time to get used to working in a different environment with new people, so be kind to yourself if you feel your work takes a while to get going!” - Holly

Don’t have your thesis planned: You don’t need to step into your PhD knowing exactly what your thesis is going to look like. The literature review phase of your PhD is meant to give you the knowledge and tools you need to then formulate your research idea and plan. It is common for PhD students to amend their research ideas well into their PhD journey so definitely take your time and make sure your research is unique and substantial.

Don’t have a study plan: It’s ok if you’re going into your PhD without a study plan. Take the first few weeks to get a sense of what your research demands from you and how many hours you need to dedicate to each part of your research. While a PhD is like a full-time job and will take up a lot of your time, make sure you still make some time for yourself.

Are still finding your footing: Even though a postgraduate course may feel like you’ve been thrown in the deep end, nobody expects you to know everything on your first day! A Masters/PhD is meant to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to perform well. Don’t be too harsh with yourself if you don’t know the names of everyone on your programme, aren’t a part of every student club possible and aren’t at every accommodation party in the very first week. You’ve still got plenty of time to make the most of your postgraduate life!