Preparing To Start a PhD in 2021 | What to Buy, What to Read, What to Learn

TL;DR

Learn how to mentally and physically prepare for a PhD program, including dealing with imposter syndrome, developing critical thinking skills, managing time effectively, and organizing essential items to buy.

Transcript

hey everyone and welcome back to my channel if you aren't here my name is emina today we're talking phd preparation if you're here watching this video you most likely have received an offer for starting a phd in september or october this year and if you did congratulations i'm really happy for you and you're probably thinking how can i prepare for ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 Many PhD students experience imposter syndrome, feeling inadequate compared to their peers. It is important to overcome this mindset and remember that you deserve to be in the program.
• 🤪 Research in a PhD program requires critical thinking and originality, going beyond what was taught in previous academic experiences.
• 👾 Time management is crucial, as the pace of a PhD program may feel slow, but there are always multiple tasks to juggle simultaneously.
• 🤗 Organizing essential items such as notebooks, pens, headphones, and a water bottle can help facilitate smooth workflow in the program.
• 🫠 Effective reading strategies and learning how to efficiently read research papers can save time and aid in understanding the topic.
• ✍️ Starting to write your thesis early and keeping a log of your methods and readings can make the writing process easier in the long run.
• 👨‍🔬 It is advisable to consult with your supervisor before purchasing a laptop, as the requirements may vary depending on your research area.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can I deal with imposter syndrome in a PhD program?

Imposter syndrome is common among PhD students. Remember that you deserve to be in the program and ask questions to gain confidence. Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your own progress and growth.

Q: How does research in a PhD program differ from previous academic experiences?

Research requires critical thinking and originality. You need to think beyond textbook knowledge and bring something new to the table. Take initiative in suggesting methods and ideas, as you and your supervisor are both exploring uncharted territory.

Q: How should I manage my time effectively during a PhD program?

The pace of a PhD program may feel slow, but you will have many tasks to juggle simultaneously. Prioritize your time and identify the most efficient ways to work. Stay organized and make use of diaries and to-do lists to keep track of deadlines and meetings.

Q: What essential items should I buy for a PhD program?

Consider buying different notebooks for meetings, methods, everyday work, and reading. Stationery such as pens and pencils, including fine-tip pens for writing on plastic materials, are important. Noise-canceling headphones can help with concentration, and a water bottle will keep you hydrated. A diary is also useful for planning and organizing. A laptop or iPad may be necessary depending on your research requirements.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Prepare yourself mentally by overcoming imposter syndrome and adjusting expectations. Ask questions to gain a better understanding of the program and show initiative in your research.

• Develop critical thinking skills and understand that research requires deep and original thinking beyond textbook and essay levels.

• Manage your time effectively, as a PhD program involves juggling multiple tasks simultaneously. Be prepared for the slow pace of experiments and the need to be organized and efficient.

• Organize essential items to buy, such as notebooks for different purposes, stationery, headphones, water bottle, diary, laptop or iPad, and focus on learning efficient reading strategies.