Spring is frequently considered to be the time for cleaning, but nevertheless, many colleagues are currently sorting and tidying their desks. For those working in universities in all sorts of roles, the Autumn Term feels like a particularly long and sustained period of hard work, with memories of summer weather and holidays fading into history. The end of term and approach of the Christmas break comes as a welcome opportunity to take a deep breath, tidy desks and minds in preparation for returning in the new year, and shift focus from busy day-to-day activities to future plans. Continue reading “‘Twas the night before Christmas (vacation)…”
Recently, Melina Delmas, PGR in Modern Languages, was giving advice to a friend of hers who is starting her PhD this September. Melina shares her helpful tips with all of us as a welcome to our new PGRs.
Are you a new postgraduate researcher at the University of Birmingham? Do you feel a bit daunted at the thought of starting this new adventure? If so, fear not. Lucky for you the University of Birmingham has lots of resources to help you. Here are a few tips to start you off on the right foot! Continue reading “Welcome to the University of Birmingham!”
In this post, Walaipun Puengpipattrakul, a PGR in CAL, shares some of her academic and personal development experiences during her PhD study, both part-time/distant learning and full-time on-campus.
Faculty of Arts Buildings, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. Photo credit: Peerawat.b
Change is inevitable in life and often perceived unfavourably, since it frequently takes our lives out of our comfort zones. I used to perceive change as previously mentioned. However, I started to alter my perception of change to be rewarding, particularly when it takes me out of my comfort zone, after a decision to pursue my PhD study here, at the University of Birmingham. I have had a good opportunity of being back to the University campus again after my first Master’s degree from here, but this time, as both an alumnus and a PhD candidate.
August. Somewhat surprisingly, the last few weeks have been hot, like summer is “supposed” to be. Campus is quiet, eerily so, at times. Lots of colleagues are taking annual leave, and there aren’t as many e-mails flying round as usual. The days are long.
For some, this is a time of fewer distractions, and an opportunity to focus on their research. For others, motivation is low as the hot weather induces lethargy and the beaches/mountains/meadows seem so enticing. For others still, deadlines loom large and all these external things are irrelevant. How can you ensure that you make the summer work for you? Continue reading “Give yourself a break”
One key point that I wanted to pick up on immediately was Sandy’s emphasis on managing the process of writing a journal article as a project, with only a part of that project being to draft the manuscript itself. Continue reading “Approaching writing as a project”