Over the last few weeks the way you work, live and socialise has been turned upside down. As if your PhD wasn’t stressful enough, now you’re asked to work from home, stay away from labs, fieldwork, libraries and supervisors, and you’re still expected to keep up the momentum in your PhD.
Ever since this crisis emerged, I’ve been putting together a growing collection of resources specifically oriented towards helping PhD students at this strange time.
The purpose of this post is to collate all of those resources, so you can have an easy to access outline of all the tips and guides that are out there to help you.
Most are free, some cost a small amount, but all are designed around one purpose: to make your life easier and to introduce more certainty at this difficult time.
So have a look through the resources and find those that are most relevant to your context and your thesis.
Keep up the momentum in your PhD with a 5-star rated How to Write A PhD online course.
Many people have emailed me asking how they can maintain momentum in their PhDs even though they’re away from university and facing the stresses of working from home. In response, I’m offering my 5-star rated How to Write A PhD email-based course for half price. Over twelve lessons, you’ll cover everything you need to know to more effectively plan, structure and write your thesis. Plus there are dozens of free templates, worksheets, guides and curated videos to help you. It’s ideally suited for self-isolation.
Over 500 PhD students from around the world have taken it and given it top marks.
All the lessons are delivered by email and the course is entirely self-taught so that you can keep up the momentum in your PhD at your own pace. For a limited time, the course is half price at only US$24.50 (about $2 per lesson). For more info and to sign up click here now.
Ten things you can prioritise now you’re working from home.
Other than taking the online course, there are other things you can prioritise in your PhD if you’re away from university and want to keep up the momentum. I’ve created a list of things that you can focus on that don’t involve your supervisors, labs, libraries or campus. Click here to read the guide for free.
How to manage the practicalities of self-isolating as a PhD student.
This blog post details essential things to consider now that you’re self-isolating. It covers things like how to manage key deadlines, what to consider if you’re teaching online, and how to work from home if you’re not used to doing so. You can read the post for free by clicking here.
Connect with peers in a virtual PhD co-working space.
Over 100 people have joined a virtual PhD co-working space I created over on Slack. It’s a space to connect with fellow PhD students from around the world and to share tips, advice, frustrations and advice. It’s active and is a great resource if you’re looking to reach out to people in a similar position to you. Click here now to join and take part for free.
Enjoy a list of free online teaching resources and e-book and journal repositories.
One of the most popular resources I created is a list of online teaching resources and links to freely available online e-book, textbook and journal article repositories. So if you’re struggling to access important texts now you’re off campus or you’re struggling to run classes online, this is the guide for you. Click here to access it for free now.
Anonymously share how coronavirus has affected your PhD and how you have responded.
Coronavirus is a significant, traumatic event, but PhD students are showing an incredible level of adaptability and resilience. I’m keen to document these effects and adaptations, so I’m asking PhD students a simple question: how has coronavirus affected your PhD and how have you adapted?
I’ve created a dedicated webpage for people to share their accounts anonymously. In a short paragraph, students are sharing their unique experiences and providing a rich, detailed account of what effect coronavirus is having. All the contributions are 100% anonymous. Your input will provide a snapshot of this unique moment in time and will be an opportunity for reflection and learning.
To anonymously share your experience of coronavirus, click this link now.
Snippets of advice for frustrated PhD students
This blog post contains food for thought that talks specifically to PhD students who may be struggling to manage the transition to self-isolation. Check it out if you need picking up or want to calm your anxieties.
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So whether you decide to take the How to Write A PhD course, or share your views and experiences on the confession board or virtual co-working space, I hope you find these resources useful.
My mission is to make your life easier than mine was when I was doing my PhD, and at the moment that mission is as important as ever. I hope you are feeling the benefits of it.
Good luck and take care.
