#PhD students

[sophielovesbooks]

I never normally work in cafés, but I realised recently that I am actually... absolutely allowed to do that? 😅 And it's so nice?

So I'm giving it another try today. I have a really delicious blueberry banana bread (already half-eaten, oops!). And I'm posting here for accountability. Because the goal is to write 1000 words within the next two hours!! 💻🍰☕️

[thesecrethistori-an]

New setup for a new academic challenge! (I'm starting a PhD)

[dcxdpdabbles]

Jazz: Excuse me, I have a test tomorrow morning, and I would appreciate it if you lower the volume of your get-together. Red Hood gang mid-shootout with rival gang: Get-together? This is war! Jazz rolling eyes: No, that's lousy marksmanship. What are you aiming at? The dry-wall? Rival Gang member: *Attempt to take her hostage* Nobody move or I swear I'll kill this- Jazz: Excuse me? You're going to kill me? With that stance? *Breaks hold and then shoots kneecaps* Wow, look how much I'm shaking. *Proceed to jump into a fight and take out the remaining twenty people* Red Hood Gang: YEAH GET 'EM! Jazz: *Aims gun at them* You're being just as nosy. Red Hood gang: I appologize for my outburst. Jazz: Promise to keep the noise down? Red Hood gang: Yes Ma'am. Jazz: Good. I'm glad we understand each other. I went ahead and called the ambulance for the people I shot. None of them are going to die, as I use rubber bullets, but they need medical attention. Goodnight everyone. *twirls guns as she walks away into the darkness* Red Hood Gang: *watching her leave* Yo, was that the boss? Is Red Hood a woman? THAT'S BRILLIANT! NO ONE WOULD HAVE GUESSED. THE BOSS IS A HOT REDHEADED WOMAN! Jason in outer space on an Outlaw mission: *shudders* Something just happened.

[rowanofferelden]

Hi! My name is Lucia and I am a PhD student in ancient history. I am currently working on a small project about fanfiction and what it can teach us about the creation of mythology in the Graeco-Roman antiquity. For that, I need your help. Please answer the following questionaire about fanfiction - it should not take more than 5minutes. This questionaire deals with a specific fanfiction phenomenon and I did not include it in the title to not influence the data. Please finish answering it even if you say no to most questions - it will still help me out immensely. After finishing the questionaire, an abstract that explains what this questionaire is actually for will be provided.

Thank you!

EDIT: Thank you for your help! This survey is closed for now. If a case can be made, there will be an update sometime later. If not, I am glad so many people had fun. Have a nice day. :)

[belovedbibliophile]

survived my first year of grad school & I have the photos to prove it 🤞

[nightbunnysong]

Mastering academic excellence

Becoming an academic weapon is about more than just studying hard, it’s about studying smart.

1. The power of a minimalist study space

Your study environment plays a crucial role in your ability to concentrate and absorb information. A cluttered desk or disorganized room can lead to distractions, stress, and reduced productivity. On the other hand, an orderly and minimalist space promotes clarity of thought and focus.

Why Minimalism Matters

Reduces Distractions A minimalist setup limits visual and mental distractions. With fewer items in your field of vision, your brain can focus more on the task at hand.

Promotes Calmness An organized space creates a sense of calm, reducing stress and anxiety, which are common barriers to effective studying.

Enhances Efficiency Knowing exactly where your materials are saves time and keeps you in the flow of your work, avoiding interruptions caused by searching for misplaced items.

How to Create the Ideal Study Space

Declutter Regularly Keep only essential items on your desk. Store books, papers, and other materials neatly in drawers or shelves.

Personalize Mindfully Add a few personal touches, like a plant or a motivational quote, but avoid overloading your space with unnecessary objects.

Ensure Comfort Choose a comfortable chair, good lighting, and a desk at the right height to prevent physical discomfort during long study sessions.

2. Mastering active learning techniques

Active learning is the cornerstone of effective studying. Unlike passive methods, such as simply reading or highlighting, active learning engages multiple areas of your brain, enhancing comprehension and retention.

Key Active Learning Techniques

Summarization After reading a section of your textbook or attending a lecture, summarize the main points in your own words. This forces you to process the information deeply, improving understanding and memory.

Self-Testing Regularly quiz yourself on the material. This not only reinforces your knowledge but also highlights areas where you need further review. Tools like flashcards or apps such as Anki can be particularly effective.

Teaching Others Explaining concepts to others is one of the best ways to solidify your understanding. This could be done with a study partner, in a group setting, or even by teaching an imaginary audience.

Mind Mapping Create visual representations of the material, such as diagrams or mind maps. This technique helps you see connections between ideas and organizes complex information into a more digestible format.

3. Study aids for enhanced learning

Study aids are tools and resources that can support and enhance your learning process. When used correctly, they can make studying more efficient and effective.

Types of Study Aids:

Flashcards Ideal for memorization, flashcards help reinforce knowledge through active recall and spaced repetition. Digital flashcards allow for easy organization and accessibility on the go.

Mind Maps These visual tools help break down complex concepts and illustrate relationships between ideas, making it easier to grasp and remember large amounts of information.

Practice Tests Taking practice exams familiarizes you with the format and types of questions you might encounter, reducing test anxiety and highlighting areas for improvement.

Educational Apps Numerous apps cater to various aspects of studying, from organization (Notion, Evernote) to subject-specific learning (Duolingo for languages).

How to Use Study Aids Effectively

Incorporate Them Regularly Don’t wait until the last minute to use study aids. Regular integration into your study routine ensures continuous reinforcement of material.

Customize Your Tools Tailor flashcards, mind maps, and other aids to suit your learning style and the specific material you need to master.

Combine Methods Use a mix of study aids to address different types of content and to keep your study sessions dynamic and engaging.

4. Staying Healthy

MENS SANA IN CORPORE SANO

The ancient adage "mens sana in corpore sano," meaning "a healthy mind in a healthy body," underscores the importance of physical well-being in achieving academic success. Neglecting your health can lead to burnout, decreased cognitive function, and lower academic performance.

Physical Health and Academic Performance

Nutrition A balanced diet fuels your brain, improving concentration, memory, and energy levels. Incorporate brain-boosting foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Exercise Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, enhances mood through the release of endorphins, and reduces stress. Even short, daily exercise sessions can make a significant difference in your mental clarity and stamina.

Sleep Adequate sleep is essential for memory consolidation and cognitive function. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to ensure you are well-rested and ready to tackle your studies.

Mental Health and Academic Success

Stress Management Practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing to manage stress. Regular breaks during study sessions can also prevent burnout.

Work-Life Balance Ensure you have time for relaxation and social activities. A balanced life contributes to mental well-being, which in turn supports academic success.

Positive Mindset Cultivate a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as obstacles. This perspective not only enhances resilience but also keeps you motivated in your academic pursuits.

[photos from Pinterest]

[outsassing-nero]

17.10.24// really busy, but will make time to visit cute vegan cafes!!

listening to: snow man, one

[pefkaes]

11.09.2024 // day 202 // making the most of productive bursts.

been feeling pretty energetic and motivated this week, even getting out of bed before the sunrise as the days get warmer and longer. so I'm channeling that energy towards writing the 10k words I need to submit by december. i do not know when the next crash will happen. it's all a chaotic mess of rage writing but writing is the only way through which i can think.

[alderaans]

Why are you worried about me? Because I want to protect you. Lovely Runner (2024)

[legogradstudent]

Collaborating on a project with several colleagues, the grad student is unable to identify exactly what he is contributing.

[elistudies]

I’m a little nervous about being unemployed after my silly little phd

[thesecrethistori-an]

Breakfast for a very slow morning that should not be a slow morning

PhD Day 27: I have 4 days to finish my grant application and I still feel lost but I guess the only way out is through

[lepetitmini]

day spent trying to make a preliminary literature review happen. nothing went quite as planned- i tipped too much milk into my tea and only read 3 of the materials out of the 5 i’d planned. not beating myself up too much- it’ll happen. ended the day with a lovely walk with some friends and a gorgeous view from tower bridge. also, if anyone knows how to fix that little “sign in” thing in the corner (i’ve already signed in 33817417373 times), help would be much appreciated.

[alexistudies]

monday, august 26th

last week, classes for the fall semester officially started! it's absolutely wild to me that i'm a 2nd year PhD student now... 1st year went by hella quick but it was such a fruitful year. i'm hoping my 2nd year is just as amazing and filled with learning.

this semester, i'm taking

clinical neuro

multiple linear regression (data science course)

biostats and bioinformatics

prodev seminar

the biostats class starts in october bc its a half session, online course so in reality, im only taking 2 real classes at a time.

pictured above

setting up an EEG system in our lab for my upcoming study

the loft at this amazing coffee spot in PHX

my typed up data checklist and protocol for my EEG study (i don't want to admit how long those took me to write)

i hope you all have a great start to the semester!

[phdeducation]

[mamawasatesttube]

you know the "aliens made them do it" variant of the fuck or die trope? i think the funniest possible subversion of this is like... outsider pov, but specifically the pov of the alien xenobiologist phd student who's just like please. please i placed these two humans in an isolated setting with provisions for food, water, waste removal, and sleep. im waiting. please i just. please why aren't they... im STILL waiting. what do i have to do???? please... my thesis...!!!