A Week in the Life of a PhD Performance Student

If you have come across this blog, you may either be beginning your PhD studies, or you've been considering applying, but are unsure of expectations, timelines, work/life balance etc…

Before I tell you how my week looks as a current PhD student at UWS, I want to express that no one’s research journey is the same. We all face different challenges and will have preferences. Just remember - what works for me might not work for you, and that is absolutely okay!

For a range of reasons, I decided to undergo my PhD on a part-time basis, which allows me to take on paid employment alongside my studies and fits better with my lifestyle. I personally like to shake up my routine on a week-to-week basis. However, I've set myself a target that I have found helps me keep on track - no matter what, dedicate at least twenty hours a week to work on my research. So, let us begin!

Studies

Typically, I choose to work on-site three times a week, with the other two days working from home. PhD students have access to all campuses and their facilities, but I mainly jump between Paisley and Ayr, as they have the best resources available to me and my research.

During my Undergraduate and Master’s courses, I preferred renting a space and working in the Library. However, a major benefit to research students at UWS is that we have allocated private offices for study, exclusive to us. I’m particularly a huge fan of my cosy desk set-up at the Ayr campus - by the window with beautiful naturistic views, and with my laptop provided by the University!

I tend to split my study hours evenly over the five-day work week, but I am happy as long as I meet my twenty-hour target (or more!). As a part-time research student, I have bi-monthly chats with my supervisor to make sure I’m meeting deadlines and staying on track. They also run fantastic seminars for research students, every two weeks. These seminars have helped create a community for what could have been regarded as a lonely experience. It’s great to speak with other research students, share and support each other's work and to know that we are not alone!  

Employment 

I'm very fortunate to be employed by the University as a student ambassador, a role which I’ve kept since my masters. This is a super flexible position, where I can choose to take available hours for a range of different departments. This role can allow you to work at a variety of fun events like Open Days and university taster sessions.

You can collaborate with the Social Media and Marketing team, speak with pre-applicants and new students on the UniBuddy platform and it gives you experience working in an office environment. No week is the same, which is perfect for an individual like me, who enjoys keeping things fresh! 

If you're looking for employment alongside your PhD, I would highly recommend seeking work opportunities for students at your institute. I've found that my work supervisors are very accommodating and understanding regarding time to focus on my research. 

Self-care 

Listen, I'm an absolute self-care queen! If I’m working from home, I’ll put my barista skills to the test. But if I’m on campus, I’ll pick up a delicious, caffeinated beverage from any of the on-site University cafes. And yes, I’m not ashamed to say that I order an almond milk latte with sugar-free hazelnut syrup! We're all individuals and the staff are lovely, who will do a great job with your coffee personalisations!

Be sure to keep yourself replenished, watered and fed whilst you’re studying. For my lunch break, I do love a good soup or baked potato in the colder months - which in Scotland, there are many. There are salads and sandwiches for those short-lived warmer days… ugh fine. And the occasional chicken burger with chips, geez peace!

Alongside making sure I’m eating well throughout the day (with the occasional treat), I’ve currently been living by the old saying: “A healthy mind in a healthy body”. In all honesty, exercise always felt like a chore to me. However, I've found that implementing some form of activity every day into my routine has improved my mood and boosted my energy levels. Even a quick, high-intensity Body Pump session can make a major difference! 

Whether it be utilising the free gym membership for all students at UWS (including fitness classes), walking my dogs or attending my Cheerleading class (yes, PhD students are still allowed to join sports clubs & societies - Go Foxes!). I find that dedicating a little time moving my body splits my day well and keeps me focused.

Weekends

Ah, after a busy week of research, events, office work and exercise, the weekend has arrived. If I don’t happen to meet the minimum study hour’s goal, I have set for myself in my work week, I will try to pick them up over this time.

Luckily, I so far have managed to stay consistent and find my current balance sustainable, allowing me to enjoy my weekends, which is important as a research student. I’m a very sociable individual and love human interaction, so I like to use my free time to spend with my partner, friends and family, but a good reading session or TV binge works too! 

However you like to wind down, make sure you really do wind down!

And there you have it! I’m kept very busy, but I absolutely love the research community, the opportunities I’ve been given and fantastic facilities we have here at UWS. I'm excited to see where my research will take me. Perhaps you can #FindYourPlace here too, just like I have!