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:
- Academic Skills
- Building Confidence
- Careers & Internships
- Embracing Diversity
- International Experience
- Mental Health & Well-being
- Nailing Conferences
- Networking & Supervisors
- Parenting & Care
- Productivity
- Reading & Writing