Congrats on receiving and accepting a PhD offer! The first year of a PhD is both exciting and overwhelming. It’s a time of significant adjustment, as you transition from the structured environment of undergrad or master’s programs into the less defined, self-driven world of research. Between coursework, building connections, managing your research, and adjusting to the academic culture, it can feel like a lot to juggle.
We spoke with a panel of experienced PhD students to gather advice on how to make the most of this crucial first year. Here’s a guide to help you manage the transition and set yourself up for success.
Coursework: In undergrad or master’s programs, coursework often serves as a way to assess your readiness for the workforce, with high-stakes exams and assignments designed to “weed out” students. But in a PhD program, the focus shifts. Graduate courses are less about grading and more about preparing you for life as a researcher and colleague. In these courses, professors are not only there to teach but also to mentor. They’re generally more approachable and willing to offer help, and are more likely to understand that you may have other professional or research commitments. Make sure to engage with your instructors! They’re a valuable resource, and may serve as an informal mentor for you later on.
Research: Research is filled with ambiguity, even more so if you’re a PhD student! Unlike coursework, where problems are clearly defined and solvable, research questions may not be well-defined or solvable, let alone within your grasp. Many approaches you try may take longer than expected, while others might not work at all. Progress can feel slow, especially since research doesn’t come with the same clear deliverables as a class project.
One key tip from our panelists: track your daily progress. One of our panelists logs each task into Google Calendar, while another has a slideshow where each slide is a recap of a day’s work. Both strategies help make incremental progress visible and prevent you from feeling like you’re stuck.
Also, discuss your pacing with your advisor. Different labs and fields have different expectations for what constitutes progress, so when there aren’t clear rubrics or grades that can substitute a bit for pacing.
Peers: While it’s important to bond with colleagues in your lab, don’t overlook the value of friendships outside of it. Your peers in the department are a great source of support and can help you gauge what’s normal in the PhD experience.
Everyone faces problems during the PhD, but friends outside your lab, and even outside your department, can offer valuable perspectives about what is normal and what isn’t. They’ll also be there to help you navigate challenges, share advice, and provide the occasional distraction when things get tough.
Faculty: Graduate courses give you the perfect opportunity to meet faculty members who may serve as mentors or collaborators later on. Identify a few faculty members whose work or background resonates with you and make an effort to connect, either by taking their class, attending their talks, or simply emailing them. These relationships can help expand your academic network and provide valuable mentorship outside of your direct advisor.
Conferences and Professional Events: The first year of your PhD is an excellent time to start attending conferences. These events offer more than just academic exposure; they’re a great way to meet others in your field and establish connections early on.
If possible, submit a poster presentation. This allows people to come to you, which can be a little less intimidating than approaching others. Plus, you’ll have a topic you’re already familiar with to talk about.
Conferences can be expensive, but thankfully many offer opportunities that allow you to both network and offset some costs. Look into whether your conference offers a Doctoral Consortium: a special session for PhD students to get feedback and network with others at a similar stage in their research. Often, these include travel stipends or free registration, which can help with costs. You can also try to volunteer at the conference. Not only will you meet more people, but you’ll also get a different perspective on the conference experience, and this also often comes with waived registration. Finally, make sure to talk to your advisor about paying for the trip. After all, your success is their success too.
Unlike undergraduate programs, where your day is tightly scheduled, PhD life offers much more freedom—and with that comes the challenge of managing your own time effectively. While there are fixed commitments like classes and meetings, much of your time, especially in the summer, will be unscheduled. This means you’ll need to establish a routine that works for you.
Tips from our Panelists for Staying Productive
In the end, it’s always about what’s best for you. This isn’t your standard closely-monitored 9-5. If you need longer breaks, different work hours/days, or any other changes, you can and should change them. Don’t be afraid to experiment either.
Recognizing and Managing Stress: The PhD journey can be stressful. Stress manifests differently for everyone, but discussing your challenges with peers is a good way to gain perspective and advice. With the flexible schedule that comes with a PhD, you also have the opportunity to take personal health days when needed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to step back for a short time to recharge.
Work-Life Balance and Self-Care: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for your success. Make sure to protect time for activities that nurture you outside of academia, whether that’s exercising, reading for pleasure, cooking, or spending time with loved ones. These activities will help you maintain your mental and physical well-being throughout your PhD journey.
Also, keep an open line of communication with your advisor. If you need adjustments to your schedule or a short extension on a deadline, don’t be afraid to ask. A supportive advisor will want you to thrive—not just as a researcher, but as a person. If they’re not interested at all in your well-being, 🚩🚩🚩.
Your first year of PhD study will be a whirlwind of new experiences, challenges, and growth. Feel free to experiment to learn what work strategies and environments work best for you, be diligent about tracking what you do if it feels like you’re not making progress, lean into your community for support, and prioritize your mental health. You got this!