A Day in the Life of a Harvard PhD Student 2022

Instagram: @the.quantum.boy
This is a day in my life as a Harvard physics PhD student in 2022. In this vlog, I'll give you a tour of Harvard's campus and show you the best places to study. I'm hoping to give you a daily glimpse of what it's like to do a theoretical physics PhD at Harvard.

[@lanzcordero2132]

Bro this is my dream learning environment. Imagine just being sorrounded by these passionate people working and researching on their respective academic fields, it's the most inspiring and motivating place I could ever asked.

[@michaelterrell5061]

And everyone’s young and excited about what they have to do. Must be fantastic.

[@Diplomacy2729]

But you are too poor!

[@xythiera7255]

@@Diplomacy2729 Poor isnt the only problem . Wanting something and isnt enoth to get into Harvard . You just have to be lucky to get there .

[@SokumenTop]

@@Diplomacy2729 PhDs are paid for

[@mergenocide]

@@SokumenTop But the path there isn't necessarily.

[@nicolecoates4312]

I love how you added some facts about your advisor, as well as that person who won a Nobel Prize... I often walk around campus and am like "holy crap, these people really discovered X and got Y". I attend MIT also completing a PhD, so right down the street :)

[@johntello8904]

@@danielelibariki4038why would she do that lol

[@inspiringmuslim]

Wow...MIT...my dream uni:)

[@darrenruben4108]

What is your major

[@fearfulpvp3978]

Hello @Nicole Coates. First of all, thank you for writing this comment because it weirdly makes me realise that the people who get into academic programs at places like MIT are also 'normal', I apologise for it sounding very vague. I wanted to ask, what are you pursuing your PHD in? I ask because I'm in my Junior year at school in India and am trying to talk to physics and/or engineering students to decide where and in what to apply. I hope its not an inconvenience.

[@nicolecoates4312]

@@fearfulpvp3978 I’m in the department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences studying how children learn abstract concepts

[@insaanietihad-MSB]

I actually liked/loved the back story you told about crossing the bridge from Cambridge to Harvard. It was very inspirational and sounded like there was a lot of emotions involved in that journey. Also about your watch it's so amazing that you associated that expensive watch to a priceless memories of you working so hard for it with your father. This kinda tells things which are earned with a commitment and hard work are more precious because memories and journey is associated with them not necessarily because they are expensive and luxury...it's really inspiring you enjoy and take pride in wearing that. Wishing you tons of luck for your future endeavors 🙂.

[@insaanietihad-MSB]

Also it's highly inspirational that you read, reply and like each well almost each and every comment. Not to mention having a very focused and committed daily routine. Good luck for your future.

[@quantum_boy]

I'm glad you enjoyed these parts of the story, they're very important to me!

[@telperion4441]

"But at this point I'm still very confused about what they're trying to say, but doing physics is really about working through that confusion until you figure out the answer." I really love that you said this. As a person that tends to be very self-critical, it's often hard for me to imagine that Harvard students or Nobel winners or people at the top of their field ever feel confused at a problem or don't know where to start. I sometimes feel as though people in those positions are always on top of it and I'm just built different and not as smart. I know it's silly, but it's where my mind goes when I'm getting down on myself. So thank you for this insight into your studies. It reminds the rest of us that even the smartest and most capable among us get confused or stuck and to keep going. Never give up.

[@quantum_boy]

I can tell you that I spend most of my time stuck on a problem. But like you said, it's important not to give up!

[@matthew4482]

@Telperion I totally agree. I sometimes feel underwhelmed at my performance when I make simple mistakes on problems or take too long to work through one. I almost have an expectation that I need to be "robotic" in the way I think, but that's just not how it works. Being reassured that the brightest individuals also get stuck/confused often is incredibly relieving.

[@AmmoBops]

Lol exactly I’m very hard on myself especially when it comes to my intellect, and it really comforted me when he said that

[@amanpuri7079]

@@quantum_boy yeah

[@yvansana5958]

This is so good i love everything about it .its like im watching a movie with a great story i just loved everything .the voice over was epic 👏👏

[@quantum_boy]

Thank you Yvan, this means so much! I'm going to try to do more videos like this in the future

[@estherbradley3218]

My sentiments exactly!

[@mirazzamseri9670]

​@@quantum_boyHi I have written a thesis on Teaching and Educational development and want to send it to the executive dean of Harvard school of education. Can one please help me in this regard. Thank you.

[@mirazzamseri9670]

​@@quantum_boyIt's urgent as I need to help my parents. Thank you.

[@kneticnrg]

This video is so inspiring yet so terrifying for me. Academia is the one thing I’ve never been able to dedicate myself to, I have always put in the exact amount of effort needed to pass my classes, never an ounce more. When I graduated and started working, that was when I truly felt motivation to get work done. I can never feel the same way with formal studying, and it’s been haunting me cause I have been meaning to take my Masters, but I for some reason have always dreaded putting in work into my studies.

[@FloloMAN]

i feel exactly the same.

[@INSPirrationalNATURE]

This is probably my favorite of all Harvard videos I’ve seen so far!! Absolutely love it! And you are really impressive. Keep up the great work! You can be so proud of your accomplishments!

[@quantum_boy]

Thank you for your support!

[@tannukaushik]

This video was nothing how i expected it to be. The usual a day in my life videos simply show their routines which most of the times aren't a great source of motivation. But this video is more than just a usual day in my life. The deep narratives about smallest of things makes it even better. You've gained a lifetime follower. :)

[@Kofeina19]

Finally someone who shares a bit about what they're actually doing in their research, it's something I always missed on other channels with phd vlogs... Love to see more of that!

[@Hugo14319]

It feels so relaxing and stress free unlike other study vlogs. Keep up the good work

[@randomlyrics9941]

I'm too bored and this video came out all of the sudden. Watching this sort of "Day in my life" video makes my mood somehow, become exciting! Not to mention, being a student or teacher otherwise in Harvard is an opportunity that can be kept as treasure. It was a nice video, indeed. Keep up the good work!❤️

[@joaopenteadodebarrosfilho7644]

Thanks for reminding me of my dear Cambridge and Harvard Square! I was there not to solve enigmatic quantum physics problems but just to humbly improve my English. For three months my wife and I've lived on Lee Street and went on foot to the school at Harvard Square under the incredibly blue sky of the New England! Thank you for making me remember such special moments! You are a talented filmaker!

[@jimmysantana5310]

Hey man, I just wanted to say that this is really inspiring to me man I'm going to A university online, work in construction and I'm trying to switch from old habits for good! and focus all of what I am on my goals and the vision. How focused and clear headed you are I don't know you man but you have my respect. God bless.

[@quantum_boy]

I'm glad to hear Jimmy! Construction is a tough job, so I commend you for it. Good luck with your goals!

[@yohanncedric8782]

Great video mate! No bs edit or bs music, straight to the point, with very inspirational stories and educational. I worked very well on my A Levels but now that I'm on my 3rd year aeronautical engineering degree, things are getting tough and I want to give up! Sometimes I wish I could afford and be intelligent enough to go to these nice universities! Anyway, good luck to you all out there!

[@susanmuriuki5267]

Hey buddy I think you are doing great. Hang in there you got this !

[@harringtonlackey9350]

Your motivation is incredibly inspiring. You are very self-disciplined and I'm sure that work will pay off. Keep up the good work!

[@rayemalam4232]

Such a wonderful university. It has a really beautiful campus, and being around with the brilliant students is just better than anything else. I loved the classrooms, and its environment is like the best place to study in. Sometimes I even dream of studying in Harvard.

[@glenntoal6346]

This video made me realize that the hustle of every day love and the hight stress job I work in is taking away from those moments of clarity where I used to enjoy the learning process. I need to find time to give myself a chance to learn something new.

[@anildilli]

This was perfectly-edited and so inspirational. Please keep doing this! Greetings from Turkey.

[@quantum_boy]

Thank you for the support! You can expect one every Friday!

[@florindobinciuc]

@@quantum_boy Cool

[@loveonthebrain1716]

Anıl 🥰 umarım bir gün harvardda karşılaşırız sevgilerrr

[@jamesbernards8409]

Thank you for producing this. I've gotten so lost and discouraged.. this is something worth hoping for. Thank you.

[@Randy-yt3ix]

Your video is absolutely beautiful and inspirational. I congratulate you and your peers on your success thus far and wish you the very best in your future endeavors. Hard work does, in fact payoff and there are no shortcuts in order to get to where you are. I am a firm believer that people who suround themselves with brilliance will be much more motivated to become just as brilliant as those around them. Your VLOG serves to inspire others to work hard to achieve similar goals. You are well positioned to make a positive difference in this world. Well done!

[@quantum_boy]

I appreciate the kind words Randy, thank you for watching!

[@SeldimSeen1]

Congratulations for achieving a dream. Wishing you all the best and complete success in your future academic adventures.

[@AstroZombie1]

I like how you make your day seem so simple and pleasant, rather than how ridiculously complex your work is.

[@vivianma8372]

Thank you for sharing this vlog to me~ It's so inspiring and of course everyone loves harvard but your video shows the life vividly.

[@cubbies-gh4te]

My sister, whos 6 years older than me, completed her PhD in biochemistry at Harvard. She lived very near Harvard Square and, when I visited her, I would go through that exact same T stop. Brings back memeories.

[@alfredstrandman]

Your videos are great! Been following you all semester as I got accepted into the rank 1 dental programme in the world at Karolinska. They really bring some weekly joy. I can really relate to being surrounded by great achievers due to the nobel comittee working at my university. It really inspires me to do better everyday. Keep making awesome vids✌️ Also that smoothie looks delicious, do you mind sharing the recipe?

[@deejayrbf]

Today was the first time I ever watched your video and it's truly inspiring. Funny fact is that I'm struggling right now with a lot of issues regarding work and studies and most of them lead to the one equation: should I push this hard on working to be one of the guys of the academic field? Or should I stick around and keep going as hard as I can to see a dream come true? I know what I want but sometimes you just wonder if you're in the right path. Anyway, thank you for sharing your history. I wanna come back here a few months forward and say that I didnt give up and the game still goes on with our daily accomplishments.

[@thefakugenius]

The way you film and the images showed appease me, keep it up for your PhD !

[@aldoruiz155]

I come back to this video a lot, hearing your story about how you got your watch really inspires me, so do all your videos.

[@benkaiser766]

You have no idea how inspiring you are, thank you good sir. And I hope you find so much success.(:

[@quantum_boy]

Thank your for the support!

[@Shytheshoreline1005]

It’s so cool how you’re telling a story along with the video

[@quantum_boy]

Glad you enjoyed it Shirleen!

[@albertmendoza8330]

I can't wait to have days like this. So peaceful and filled with time to think about physics.

[@TheCommunistColin]

As a Mainer let me just say I hear and RESPECT that New England accent, my man. And as a final year law student, let me congratulate you on being in a PhD program. We're both studying our way into careers that will make our families proud. We got this. 🤘Awesome vid!

[@brooklindsey880]

You are like an academic monk man. Thank you for sharing this! Very inspirational.

[@quantum_boy]

Thank you for watching Brook!

[@sandou_osu]

The moment you said “theoretical physicist” I widened my eyes and immediately liked and subscribed, then promptly started writing this comment. I am an aspiring theoretical physicist (majoring in astrophysics right now) and I am extremely happy to see a DITL of someone who is on a similar path I hope to be traveling on one day!

[@quantum_boy]

That's great, astrophysics is very exciting!

[@Hamdevi]

You are amazing man 👊 i believ one day i walk around this compus for studying. I proud with you. Thanks for sharing this. I hope you are having fun this.

[@jimmysantana5310]

you made it on youtube buddy !!! im really happy for you!!

[@richie3205]

Dude you must have achieved many things and that's why Harvard admitted you for PhD. Inspirational 🎉

[@luke8838]

Pretty solid video I appreciate the routine as well as the sub.

[@syedtwahairfan1489]

This is really amazing and inspiring.❤️ Keep up the good work

[@masodior8076]

I love these videos! keep uploading while you can, thanks 🙏

[@quantum_boy]

I'll be uploading one every Friday, hope you tune in!

[@luisaponte9805]

What a cool experience, and congratulations on being able to achieve that dream of yours. I’m interested in pursuing a PhD in Harvard as well, but not just yet… Enjoy your journey!

[@quantum_boy]

Thanks for watching, Luis!

[@lynarizz]

Woah you're doing quantum computing too, that's awesome. I have this great opportunity to do research with professors at UCI regarding quantum research and I am so excited. I'm a bit nervous since I'm still a high schooler, but I hope to follow your pathway.

[@quantum_boy]

Good luck in your research, I hope you have fun!

[@leoCarCampos]

Your videos are incredibly well-crafted and enjoyable. Congratulations, sir!

[@dailyhustles]

I love this guy’s speech, keep up the good work! You earned yourself a subscriber

[@quantum_boy]

I appreciate the support!

[@douglaschamroeun7687]

I’m in Veterinary Medical school. Thank you so much for reminding me good things in life will never be easy, yet achievable and worth every second to get there.

[@quantum_boy]

Keep at it, you'll have a very fulfilling career in the future!

[@stevensong8784]

Your editing looks smooth especially when you meal prep. 👍🏻

[@quantum_boy]

Thanks for watching Steven!

[@livingbeing8661]

Bro this is so motivating. Especially the river Charles part. I hope I get to work with some great people like you do. Thanks for the video.

[@quantum_boy]

Thank you for the support!

[@florindobinciuc]

Best of the best! I really enjoy your stories. Thanks for sharing!

[@quantum_boy]

I appreciate the support Florin!

[@florindobinciuc]

@@quantum_boy I appreciate your simplicity and the hard work that you put in learning. This is very motivating. Thanks! It was always a dream to be a student at Harvard, but I'm from Romania, the time went to another pipeline for me. I can do my best where I'm now, enjoying the present, enjoying the process, and your clips are motivating me.

[@celinewassenberg5839]

Soo motivating!! Loved this (especially because i am also studying physics)

[@quantum_boy]

Thank you for watching!

[@darrenruben4108]

Were you 4.0 at bu

[@danman3720]

The Charles River story was very inspiring. Where did you spend the rest of your undergraduate years after Boston University?

[@ZAMislive]

i must say SubhanAllah! the way you story tell and connects dots of each lines is soooo awsome... Good talent to have, I can say u must worked hard for it to achieve it and having it is kinda cool ngl haha

[@kingrahulgrover]

Thanks a lot. I'm motivated! 💪🏽

[@David-zp5uh]

That's the most depressing bowl of spaghetti I've ever seen

[@mohammadmakki6976]

you guys must be very grateful for what you have

[@TonyNguyener]

this was such a calming video omg

[@TheGreekGodOfWallStreet]

I appreciate you showcasing the art and architecture of Widener Library.

[@user-iq7bs3kk3k]

Your videos are awesome, they inspire to work hard just like you! I'm from Russia and there is no opportunity to get into Harvard due to the political situation, I guess. So I'm a little upset because of it, but your work helps me believe the best, so thank you so much!

[@quantum_boy]

I'm sorry to hear about you situation, but I encourage you to keep working hard. I've met many great Russian scientists, so you're in good company!

[@ArtIsDrawing]

School is not everything. Any school is good.

[@haniefknight]

my routine as a biophysics student (master degree) and physics undergrad.. wathching PhD life on youtube and found that everyone take the physics related major too 🙃, you've got one more subscriber

[@quantum_boy]

Thanks for the support Hanief!

[@aomsint.9458]

Omg, I really love this. This is my inspiration of my PHD! hope i can get to Harvard

[@tosin_davidson]

Good... Ph.D. is a real test of the mind.... You are brave taking this bold and lonely yet rewarding step... I am happy for yu and I don't even know you... God bless all the same

[@gebersewgilim]

I have been mesmerized by what I saw in this video. I know that you have been working really hard for your entire life to be a part of this environment but it is a heartbreaking fact that you have to have certain "qualifications" to be a part of the Ivy League Colleges. Anyway, your storytelling and editing in this video are beautiful just like the content. It is very inspirational video and I wish you good luck and the best in your journey in life...

[@joshs3045]

about to start my undergrad in physics and all this has done has made me want it more

[@bhspringer]

Such a great video ! Very calm and relaxing . And the piano WAS very random 😂

[@vtrandal]

Oh you are so close 100,000 subscribers! I’m grateful KZbin recommended this video.

[@PatoValdes18]

"Hard work is a choice". Genuinely curious, but do you think hard work is a choice for everyone? Because there are people out there with limited resources and opportunity that have to break their back at their jobs to barely stay alive.

[@kiky.mp4]

wow this is probably the best harvard vlog out there

[@quantum_boy]

I appreciate you watching!

[@kirk8359]

WOW. This is about the 15th video I’ve watched of yours; if it was my first, I wouldn’t be here. You have progressed so much with your style, I’m truly captivated by your life; the way you lay it out for us gives me feelings of compassion. I want to dislike you; but I’m only envious and inspired. I wanted you to show your face, but now I hope you never do for fear that I will change my perception of you. I want to know you.

[@CPORD-ss2db]

Wow, I really admire you choosing Theoretical Physics. That needs a lot of courage.

[@casonpark]

As a guy who wants to go to Harvard this was such a motivation to me I'm still in my senior year of high school and I'm working hard towards my dream just like you 🔥

[@quantum_boy]

Keep working hard Cason!

[@casonpark]

@@quantum_boy thank you so much means a lot

[@zataishasims9732]

@@casonpark You got this 💯

[@casonpark]

@@zataishasims9732 Thank you

[@nextanvil3346]

Why do you want to go to harverd?

[@carissmatic32]

I'm applying to the GSAS Astrophysics PhD program this upcoming year! Great video!

[@quantum_boy]

Good luck with your applications Carissma!

[@jimmysantana5310]

And these videos look amazing honestly.

[@NotRly1337]

These are the day-in-the-life vids I am looking for. Really like your watch! What kind of watch is it?

[@lesphd]

Loved the story. The editing and storytelling made it sound so simple, but between the lines you know it is a hard work. Good luck!

[@quantum_boy]

Thanks for watching les!

[@Prakhar0809]

Great job, the video is produced so well.

[@quantum_boy]

Thank you for watching!

[@user-zh2cp1cq2b]

Thank you for sharing this. It was inspiring :)

[@jonathanbrown6206]

Hard work is a choice. Love this!

[@willm3027]

To all the medic students out there.. even if it’s nursing assistants, the janitor even… let’s f’ing get it!!! Grind until you reach your dreams, I’m with you 💪

[@shutupimlearning]

What a beautiful video, I keep mementos from all my previous "slave-labour" jobs as I reminder for where I started. I'm About to finish my first year in undergrad physics and I still hope I can do post-grad at my dream university - Cambridge. Its always the little motivational things that make you push yourself further.

[@fearfulpvp3978]

Hey man, I just wanted to ask where are you doing your undergrad from because I'm in my Junior year at school in India and am trying to talk to physics and/or engineering students to decide where and in what to apply. I hope its not an inconvenience.

[@tajensanglajamir2248]

watching this is motivating me to start my phd work soonnnn! scary but i also think it's gonna be fun.

[@jr-xh4io]

Great story arc to your day! Very engaging production

[@Dr_Seria]

I love this video😆❤

[@dant1310]

I cannot fathom the mental strength and of course the brilliant mind to endure such rigorous academic demands. I am doing Ed.D in University which is outside top 300 in US and I am exhausted already. I pray you will do well, finish strong with least stress.

[@tosin_davidson]

By the way is weibull growth function a pivotal part of studying Physics? Also, can second derivative ( inflection point) be used as a analytical tool for interpreting macro economic factors or is it just limited to studies in science and engineering?

[@samhitak6216]

OMG! 30 seconds, and I'm already inspired! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@jalengarner4144]

Great video! I'm a rising senior physics major at Howard University, is the program you're apart of the QSE Phd program? If so, would you say the program is well suited for students who are interested in experimental quantum computing research or is it more tailored towards theory?

[@quantum_boy]

I'm not in the QSE program, but there's a great deal of both experimental and theoretical research in quantum computing at Harvard.

[@jalengarner4144]

@@quantum_boy Thanks, I’ll definitely look more into it!

[@joseagustinlozanotorres1334]

I'm doing my PhD in Physics at Humboldt Universität Zu Berlin and I walked around the places where Max Planck, Einstein, Born, Wien, etc, worked and I felt the spirit of them. I remember writing an article in the main building 🏫 where you can see all the photos of all great scientists and received an email from Royal Astronomical Society accepting a paper that I submitted 2 months ago. That was magical 😊.

[@quantum_boy]

That must have been very exciting Jose, good luck on your PhD!

[@SS-cv4fo]

Man you gonna have a total comp exceeding a milli when some quant hedgie scoops you up. Very very happy for you. Keep succeeding. Btw what are your future plans/goals about your career?

[@2theorists]

Hi, I am having some tough days in my research journey and just watched this video and it made my day ….. thank you, appreciate it ¡¡

[@all7208]

Hey , good luck brother

[@2theorists]

@@all7208 thank you brother, wishing you the best as well :)

[@bjorn3278]

Good luck dude😁👍👍

[@garrettdyess1110]

“Doing physics is really about working through that confusion until you find out the answer.”

[@dhruvsinghattri7450]

i never got bored watching this video its so interesting

[@quantum_boy]

Thank you for the support!

[@joserosales3688]

What a beautiful campus. Best of luck!!

[@impsycko_]

this is really amazing good work ! :)

[@fiza1873]

Please Make a video on your journey how u prepared for exam and also how an international student can get admission in Harvard

[@mr.bigdick7692]

Harvard PhD student? this dude must be a genius

[@saeidjafari8728]

As a researcher i wish you the best for your studies. Keep continuing!

[@quantum_boy]

Thank you, and the same to you!

[@TheCD45]

As a PhD student in the life sciences, this is more like "A Saturday in the Life of a PhD student" 😆 Great video btw. Hope you create more esp about the ins and outs of your specific PhD work

[@skylardeslypere9909]

I'm currently doing a bachelors in math, and will do a master's in pure math after that. This is honestly convincing me to do a phd in math lmao

[@quantum_boy]

A PhD in math sounds exciting, I encourage you to do it if it sounds interesting to you! Good luck Skylar!

[@Moisty-oo4hx]

Wait, so what was the point in even going to campus? Why not spend all that time walking and commuting around at your desk at home getting work/research done? Am I missing something, or are you required to check into the office?

[@edwardian90]

Really liked how simply you have put your day routine.... it was lovely to watch.

[@quantum_boy]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamescardella2133]

I run a business and I am a single dad of a 3-year-old full time. I am attending a community college full-time to get my associate's in music and performance and after that, I will go to get my bachelor's in music therapy. I will say that living a healthy lifestyle by working out and eating right is one of the most important things when it comes to focusing on your work. It was refreshing to see a video like this. Keep on doing what you are doing! Best of luck to you with your studies!