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The advise I have for my younger-PhD self

Looking back into the years of my PhD, here's the advice I wish I had received in my first year: 1. Time management is crucial: Learn to prioritize tasks and set realistic goals. Put first things first and things that matter most must not be put at the mercy of urgent things. Use tools like calendars and to-do lists to stay organized. However, don't forget to schedule breaks and personal time. 2. Build relationships: Networking is like connecting yourself to a tributary of water body. It engenders access to an avalanche of information within your University, Lab or institute. Network with other students, faculty, and professionals in your field. Attend conferences and seminars, even if they're not directly related to your research. Find a mentor outside of your supervisor. 3. Start writing early : There is still time, there is still time, there is still time and there is finally no time. Begin documenting your research from day one. Practice academic writing regularly. Co...

Applying the 7 habits of highly effective people as a PhD reseacher

Stephen Covey’s timeless book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, offers powerful principles that can transform your approach to productivity, leadership, and personal growth. As a graduate student, you're navigating a high-stress, high-stakes environment, balancing research, coursework, and personal responsibilities. The principles in this book can help you not only manage these challenges but also thrive in your academic journey. 1. Be Proactive As a graduate student, you have a lot on your plate, and much of it can feel out of your control—deadlines, faculty expectations, and the future job market, to name a few. Covey's first habit, Be Proactive, encourages you to focus on what you can control and to take responsibility for your own outcomes. Application : Take ownership of your research, progress, and deadlines. Don't wait for your advisor to push you. Anticipate challenges and prepare for them, whether it’s managing stress during exam periods or hitting research...

Handling stress during Grad school

Graduate studies can be one of the most challenging experiences in your academic journey. The demands range from meeting up with coursework and research to balancing personal commitments and part-time jobs, stress often becomes a constant companion. Managing stress is a fundamental requirement for sailing through the deep waters of graduate studies. Based on my personal experience while I was a Master and a PhD student, I have made this writeup to help someone sailing these paths now. 1. Recognize and acknowledge it. It is commonly said that one of the greatest deceptions in Life is self-deception. Graduate school can be a wild ride, full of excitement but also a lot of pressure. Balancing research, classes, teaching responsibilities, part-time jobs and social life can lead to some serious stress. It is important to recognize the major source of where your stress is coming from and devise a plan on how to resolve it. 2 . Create  and maintain an efficient Daily Routine Having a set ...

The Power of your Student email and Student ID in 2024

  As a student, you're likely always on the lookout for ways to save money. And yes, it is very possible to save a lot of money not necessary by doing 4 or 5 student jobs, but rather, taking advantages of the numerous student discounts available out there.  Many businesses and companies understand that students are typically on a tight budget, but are also under the pressure to keep up with whatever is trending in the society. Thus businesses do offer amazing discounts to students because they recognize that today’s students are tomorrow’s loyal customers. By offering discounts, they can attract new users and build brand loyalty early. It’s a win-win for both the company and students.  I will be sharing with you some of the tips and tricks of how I was able to dress up with style, buy trending gargets and feed well as student without working many jobs but rather subscribing to discounts using my student email and student ID card. UNiDAYS The very first on my list is Unida...

Fastest ways to secure student accommodation when moving to a new city or country for studies

Finding housing in a foreign country and city can be a difficult undertaking for scholarship students or students currently. I have put together the  following advice to help you in your search process. 1. Start from your university residences or dormitories ; Charity they say start from home. Numerous host Universities provide housing alternatives on their campuses. These student accommodations are often more convenient (close to the Uni) and economical. However, not all universities usually states this clearly on their web page, thus you might have to contact the international office to inquire about this . Nevertheless, the caveat to Uni housing and dormitories is that privacy may be restricted because sharing with numerous roommates is common. However, many students usually use this option to get familiar to the city and then later change to something more comfortable over time. 2. O ff-campus option ; First and foremost, speak with other senior students, friends...

Perfect Laptop backpacks for students

Students in today's technologically advanced society rely largely on their computers and other electronic gadgets for academic purposes. As a result, the availability of convenient power sources has become critical. Laptop backpacks with USB charging ports are a convenient way to keep gadgets charged while on the road. We will look at the advantages of utilizing laptop bags with USB charging connections and why they are such an important item for students. 1. Charging on the go ; Laptop backpacks with USB charging ports enable students to charge their gadgets while commuting or switching schools. Students may attach their cellphones, tablets, or other USB-powered gadgets to the bag's external USB connector and charge them without the need for large power banks or looking for electrical outlets. It provides an easy method to keep electronics charged throughout the day. 2. Water resistant ;  Students enjoy a hectic and active lifestyle, thus it is critical that their laptop bag...

5 things you must know before applying for postgraduate scholarship programs

Statistics have shown that many students prefer to continue with postgraduate studies after their bachelor's. However, for international students, an increase in tuition, cost of living, accommodation and other expenses usually acts as a barrier towards such ventures.  Scholarships provide invaluable opportunities for students with financial support to meet up with the demands of pursuing a postgraduate degree. Apart from the financial benefits of scholarships, they also provide students with the opportunity to network and collaborate with others which can culminate in future employment. To be able to secure such scholarships, students will have to take on the necessary responsibilities required to secure a spot in the competition. 1. Planning ; it is said that failing to plan is planning to fail. Planning involves a thorough search. I advise you to create an Excel sheet with a list of searched scholarships, their application deadline and their eligibility criteria. from this list...