A day in the life of a PhD student

A day in my PhD life

08:16 Ding Ding Ding

08:27 Triiiiing

08:36 Clang clang beep beep

…finally woke up for a new day! I need some time to set up my software and get my positive optimistic vibes for a new day! I find singing in the morning is a great way to survive your third year of PhD. I will let you discover how I am surviving in the next few paragraphs especially when it comes to the best places to study and if you are thinking about doing your PhD at Huddersfield, don't be scared…you can do it!

Music and dancing helps!

An average day in a PhD student’s life is full of emotion. I always try to enjoy the beginning of the day, because it’s the part of the day that belongs to me. Music on, dancing, singing and sometimes listening to what is happening in the world keeps you part of the wider world during your PhD journey. I know it is sometimes depressing, but it can be helpful!

Right I am ready to go to Uni! It feels so energizing when it’s sunny and if it’s raining, just walk quickly until you reach the office! Sit down on your chair and it’s time to start work. I’ve formed a relationship with that chair, exactly like the one with my bed (I am already missing it…the bed not the chair)! Well, the chair is just the beginning, because once you start immersing yourself into your work, I think it becomes the loveliest place on earth, where you can be happy and proud of your daily achievements.

Where to study

It’s really important to think about where to study before you start. Indeed, from time to time you need some distance, a short break, either by taking your laptop and studying somewhere else or by completely leaving work for a nice break in town (I will give you some tips and tricks for your holidays in another blog).

Now let’s talk about the campus at Huddersfield. It’s one of the most beautiful campuses I have  personally seen in the UK. With both modern and gothic buildings it incorporates dynamic shapes and dramatic designs, alongside green spaces.  There are more than 15 buildings where you can study and guess what, you can take the best Instagram pictures you’ve ever dreamed of. I know that’s what PhD students think about when they’re Instagrammers like me - work done and best photo spots for their stories and posts.

PGR access only

Anyway, revenons à nos moutons (let’s get back on track). I should not forget to mention that there are many places across the campus that only postgraduate researchers (PGRs) have access to, which means that you can work peacefully with other PhD students. These students are going to be your family during your PhD journey. I personally prefer to work in the research office in the Business School, because I have my own space that does not change, with two screens, my books, papers and cup of tea. What more could I ask for? I have everything there and I am simply satisfied. This is not the only place where you can study effectively, I actually cannot count all the places inside and outside the buildings, because every corner could be ‘da best’ for you. Inside a café in Uni or under a tree, in the Oastler building with its open design or in the Charles Sikes building with a closed room.

Working happily can happen anywhere on campus!