This PhD Life

This PhD Life is a one-day online symposium held twice a year in October and January/February.
It comprises of short talks from current doctoral students and early career researchers who share their experiences and top tips relating to the PhD experience with a dedicated time for Q&A.
All PGRs are welcome, especially those who are beginning their PhD journey.

We have a range of talks from navigating your first academic conference to advice from an international student. This really is your how-to guide on being a PGR. We also have top tips on balancing your PhD with academic jobs as well as practical advice for mental health and organising your time.

The next This PhD Life conference will be held online on 30th October 2024 (Wednesday).

Book your spot at the event via Inkpath!

 

Call for Speakers (closed on 9th October 2024)

What insider knowledge do you wish someone had told you at the start of your PhD?

  • How to make the most of conferences?
  • How to navigate your literature review?
  • What is it like to teach for the first time?
  • How to deal with changes in your project?
  • How to have a happy relationship with your supervisor?
  • What does it take to ace a PGR internship while studying?

We'd like to invite current doctoral and early career researchers to share their experiences with our new first years at This PhD Life - we’re looking for talks of around 10 minutes. We also welcome alternative formats like digital posters, short videos, or infographics. 

 

This would be a great opportunity to reflect on how far you’ve come, to try out presenting online, and to make a real difference to the experience of new PhD students. For example, you might talk about:

 

How to manage your workload

How to manage your supervisor

How to be a good lab partner

Balancing research and employment

What it’s like to be a GTA

How to manage working from home

Dealing with unexpected changes 

What it’s like to do a PhD part-time

Being an international PGR

Adapting methodology to changing situations

What does a PhD actually look like?

Rediscovering the library as a researcher

Becoming a writer

How to have an academic online presence

Coming up with a chapter plan

Managing your wellbeing

Experiences in fieldwork

Managing a self-funded PhD

A practice-based PGR experience

Balancing a PhD with caring responsibilities

Making research connections

 

Follow #ThisUofGPhDLife on Twitter for updates.

You can find the recordings of all This PhD Life videos composed in thematic playlists on our YouTube @UofGresearcherdevelopment channel

Explore how to navigate This PhD Life in the playlists below: