Tuesday 24-10-2023 - 13:56

Surviving and thriving as a postgrad research student can be challenging – from adapting to the academic culture, to managing your time effectively and making use of the resources available to you.

Here’s our top tips to help get the most out of your postgraduate experience.

 

---

 

⏰ Time management

 

• Develop a realistic timeline: Create a timeline for your research and assign sufficient time for each phase, such as data collection and writing.

• Consistent work schedule: Establish a regular work schedule to help build momentum and boost productivity.

 

---

 

📈 Research skills

 

• Research workshops: Attend workshops and seminars to improve your research skills. Make use of university resources, such as study skills like academic writing, and developmental skills which you can find in your Moodle area.

This is also great for international students; it’ll help you integrate smoothly into the UK research system.

• Essential courses: Some courses are required by all researchers, these are all listed on Moodle in the PGR Hub. This area of Moodle contains loads of info and guides to support you on your postgrad journey.

• Networking: Gain insights and potential collaborations by networking with peers and experts in your field. Look out for departmental and faculty research seminars, these are a great chance to meet with other PGR students and collab.

 

---

 

✏️ Academic writing

 

• Writing retreats: Concentrate on your work without distractions, especially during the writing up stages. Keep an eye out for announcements in your Grad School comms, or from your faculty, for more dates and details.

 

---

 

🧘‍♀️ Wellbeing

 

• Balance: Everyone is bound to get more anxious and stressed as deadlines approach, so try to maintain a healthy work-life balance to prevent a potential burnout. Seek help at our Advice Centre, or check out the support available through the University’s digital student hub.

• Support system: Friends, family, and your supervisory team can build a really great support system, plus you’ll find lots of help and advice from the university and us here at The Union.
 

• Regular meetingsRegularly discuss the progress of your research with your supervisor, be open to feedback and work collaboratively with them.

 

---

 

📚 Resources and facilities

 

• Library services: Familiarise yourself and make use of the vast resources available – there’s software and tools that can aid your research throughout your studies. Pop into the library and browse what’s on offer, staff are always on hand to help guide you.

• Funding opportunities: Support your research with opportunities such as conference attendance bursary, and grants. There’s loads of financial support available for all different circumstances, chat to our Advice Centre or check Moodle’s student hub area.

 

---

 

🧠 Training and development

 

• Conferences:There’re annual PGR conferences, supported by the Graduate School, where you can present your research no matter what stage you are up to. These events are organised by PGRs, so you could also get involved in the planning and running of the conference – gaining additional transferable skills that will look great on your CV.

Faculties within the University also organise yearly conferences.

 

---

 

These are just some of our tips to help create the most enriching postgrad research journey possible. Make sure to stay proactive, engaged, and open to learning throughout your studies – you’ve got this💪

If you’re looking to meet more postgrads like yourself, come down to The Union for our PGR Fair this Wednesday – a chance to socialise, see how we can support you, and enjoy some free food!