How to prepare for a PhD | Clever prep!

Preparing for a PhD can feel overwhelming and here I go through the most important steps to prepare your PhD in a clever way.
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▼ ▽ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - PhD bucket list
1:42 - get your finances under control
3:38 - collect tools
6:59 - explore new surroundings
8:48 - light reading if you must
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▼ ▽ TOOLS
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[@katto4586]

So love the toilet idea - no body can bother you there. A great place to contemplate the meaning of life and the universe. I use the shower at home for the same thing - I can't hear the kids and they can't bother me.
A few other ideas (if you are doing your PhD at a new university).
Where is the food on campus - what's on the menu, what are the chips and wedges like, how are the beverages, what's the best place to eat, what's closest option and is it worth walking to a more distant option etc. Or do you need to look off campus for something decent or do you need to brink a lunchbox.
Figure out where everything is in relation to each other (opening hours of various places etc). Get to know the campus map and have a good walk around and find the best ways of getting to your favourite places. eg your desk, quiet space, meeting space, supervisor, faculty admin, research office, admin office, library, food, accommodation etc.
Maybe getting familiar with the Higher Research Degree Unit as well as your particular faculty. Figure out who does what and who to annoy if you have any issues. Find out what is available in terms of support and services.
Getting all your admin sorted early - student card, library card, photocopying info, parking card, student account/email/moodle etc, get info tech stuff sorted prior to the craziness that is orientation week.
Get to know how the data management system works - how to organise backups of your work off site etc. Access to super computer power and other high demand bits of equipment you might need to share with others.
Get sorted on any tools and training that you need - universities offer this stuff if needed prior to starting. If not there is always youtube.
Find out about other projects going on or those that have just finished particularly in related to your own work.
Find out about extra work you can pick up on campus to improve your finances. eg tutoring, marking papers, student support etc.
It's great to have everything done prior to your first day. That way you can walk in with a clean slate and an uncluttered mind ready to tackle whatever awaits.

[@ArtAnimeEmerly]

I'm preparing to start a fully funded PhD after taking some time out of academia to work in my field. The fact that doing some reading in advance and attending seminars is considered to be ahead of others at the start is definitely reassuring me, since those activities have become standard in my work day! I also took time between my Bachelors and Masters to work. It was hugely beneficial and I'd recommend it to anyone who isn't sure whether to go straight into postgrad courses (this coming from someone who originally planned to be a pure academic with no breaks in between!)

[@rifathassan6827]

Drinking Game: Every time Andy says PHD take a shot!
Absolutely loved the video though. Got accepted into two Phd programs, without funding. Now rethinking my choice!

[@nnunez2421]

New subbie :-) here... Thank you for tips. I just got accepted to my phd program!

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Welcome - congratulations on becoming a PhD student. I hope you'll find my channel helpful for your journey.

[@emi62507]

About to finish my masters, and will take time off to start a family (for two years), then go back for my PhD. I’ll be brushing up on skills that i found difficult in my MSc in the meantime and taking a part-time course in one of the topics for my PhD that I’m unfamiliar with. And of course make money (I’m self-employed) so it will give me a chance to grow my business.

[@missytyrrell1]

Found out today that I got accepted, with a full studentship. Will I take the time between now and October to do all the things I want to do?
Who can say... 🤓✍️👩‍💻

[@PerlaEscobaryadira10]

I really needed these tips. Thanks Andrew for your tips!

[@MohammedAli-bj9jk]

Sorry for the late replay. Thanks a lot man. Paying for good quality products is so rewarding.

[@kianchungchok7164]

This video is so on time!!!!

[@surajvasandani9031]

^ Congrats on the acceptance :)

[@NomzamoNthabiseng]

Have you done a video on how to pick a suitable journal for a paper? If so, please drop me the link😊.
PS your content is very helpful and insightful!

[@DrAndyStapleton]

I haven't done a video like that but I'll add it to the list

[@jawadmezaal5192]

I feel the same.

[@jimmorrison4ever529]

If you think you haven't yet lost your mind upon finishing your master's degree, go ahead and begin a PhD and REALLY see why all your previous professors who have a PhD seemed, "off," and, "confusing," and rated, "doesn't make sense," on ratemyprofessors. Take your anti-depressants with you along for the PhD ride, you'll need it for the panic disorder you're going to possibly develop from constant research raising your cortisol levels in the brain.

[@sadiaanwari7468]

I got a scholarship and am going to start my Ph.D. in march 2023. you pointed out an important thing, spend time with your family because you would not have enough time to see them during your Ph.D. I got a scholarship and came to Malaysia to pursue my master's studies in Feb 2020. during my master, I could not go back to see my family because of the lockdown, after the lockdown finished, the regime changed in my country (Afghanistan), and the new government made some restrictions for women. now if I go to see my family I will not be able to come back and if I stay there my studies would be useless as I would not be able to work. this made me so sad. it seems that I would have a tough time ahead.

[@lakhnechahmed2735]

Great videos. I follow you on TH-cam. I have benefited well from it. I am from Algeria. I would like to complete a doctorate study in management. Is there anyone who can guarantee me a doctorate supervisor? What are the lower-cost universities that do not have an age requirement? Thank you

[@Heyu7her3]

Oh my finances were nowhere near to under control... but alas

[@chunnaiyamspo5062]

PLEASE DO A VIDEO ON FULL PROFESSORS WHO TAKE FIRST-AUTHORSHIPS IN PHD STUDENTS' WORK. THIS IS A HUGE SCAM IN ACADEMIA AND RESEARCH WHICH IS TOTALLY HUSHED UP AND UNADDRESSED.

[@cardiyansane1414]

I had to laugh out loud 😂PhD synonymous with dying.. a bit true

[@colleenstuart190]

"It kind of feels the same", you make me laugh.....

[@GoodLife-ru8di]

Doing a PhD sounds like doing prison time. Hahaha

[@joelperezurcelay]

First, get a ridiculous look