5 Steps to take before starting your Ph.D. at University in the UK

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Starting your Ph.D. at University is a substantial academic step in your life. The whole process can be exhausting and stressful, which makes it understandable when some people choose to throw in the towel. In this article, we are going to talk about five steps that you should take before starting your Ph.D. in the UK. This way, the process can be much easier for you, and you'll be prepared for all the steps that are yet to come.

Ace your Ph.D. Interview:

Before commencing your degree, you'll have to complete your interview. This can be a daunting process, but you need to remember to be as prepared as possible. Ask your family and friends to ask you some common Ph.D. interview questions, and set up a mock interview. You want to have some answers prepared, but don't seem robotic, as you want to showcase your personality and interests as well.

Find the right workspace:

Now that you've secured your position, you want to find an appropriate living and working space in the United Kingdom, so that you can easily focus on your degree. You want to be situated somewhere close to the area where you are studying so that you can quickly get to and from the University. You'll also want to have a designated space for studying so that you can work without being distracted. Ensure you have enough resources with you, such as a laptop or computer, notebooks, paper pens, etc. Having your own space can also help you maintain the right work/life balance. The last thing you want is work scattered all over your bed and kitchen table.

Complete your induction:

Before commencing your Ph.D., you should have an induction by your supervisor on any regulations and rules of the University and degree. This step is crucial as you need to be aware of any health and safety issues, training, and procedures.

Create the perfect routine:

To help manage your work/life balance, as mentioned above, try and create a method that is personal to you. Write down all your daily activities, and work them into an order that allows you to be social, while still having time to study. Maybe you'll wake up and go for a jog in the morning, and then study in the afternoon? Create something, and then try to stick to it as much as possible. This can ease stress and anxiety while helping you be more prepared for the day.

Remember, you can do this:

Extensive studying and learning can take a toll on an individual's mental health, but it's important to remember that you made it this far, and you have got this! If you find yourself feeling stressed or anxious, try and incorporate techniques into your life to help manage this. Meditation, yoga, and exercise are proven to assist with both stress, anxiety, and depression.

And there you have it! These were five steps that you should take before starting your Ph.D. at University in the UK. Always remember that you've got this! And that there is life outside of your degree. Make sure to keep your options open, and remember to ask for support and advice if you need it. Good luck, and have fun on your new adventure!