A Checklist for the First Semester of Your PhD

A semester into a PhD, you may feel you’re still just getting going. Even though a PhD is a marathon and you’re in this for the long haul, how you begin can set the tone for the rest of your degree.

So, we’ve made an easy checklist of things to get ticked off so you can get going on the right foot.

#1 Start looking at refining the finer details

Yes, your thesis will be one, complete piece but you might want to divide it into particular research questions which help give your research some structure. This might help you prioritise your time and money. You should also start to have a more concrete idea of your methodology, the research gap you’re plugging and the overall trajectory of your research. Even though you can decide to alter your research further down the line, this is the time to start refining the finer details of your project.

#2 Get acquainted with your lab and/or department

Even though you’ll be spending a lot of time as a solo researcher during your PhD, your department will play a huge role especially if your research involves a major lab element. You’ll be sharing the lab with professors, assistants and other PhD (and even Masters) students. Some might even be working on topics very close to your research. It is an opportunity to collaborate on research, network and make friends. Even if your research does not call for lab work, the people in your department will make an important part of your PhD support system!

#3 Start to prepare for the MPhil upgrade

Most students begin their programme on an MPhil which is then upgraded to a PhD after an ‘upgrade’ usually at the end of the first year. For the upgrade, you’ll need to submit a report detailing your project, work done and work you will be doing. You may even need to submit draft chapters. You’ll then sit for an oral exam where you’ll defend your project, somewhat like a mini viva. Even though the upgrade can be anytime between nine and 18 months for a full-time PhD, this is your time to start preparing for it.

#4 Have a plan for the summer

It definitely doesn’t need to be all work and no play! You’ve been working hard, and you need a well-earned break. So, have a plan for the summer; plan a holiday, take up a new hobby or just take some quiet time with your friends and family. Having a bit of time away from your research only means you’ll come back to it stronger!