PhD first year tips! DOMINATE your first year!

In this video we are going to discover the tips that will make your first year as awesome as you want it to be!
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▼ ▽ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Introduction
1:38 - Read theses and literature and organize the information
4:24 - Get your routine down!
6:41 - Fail a lot!
8:38 - Learn the techniques and analysis in depth
11:00 - Learn to say no without saying no
13:24 - Do something outside of academia and away from academics
15:28 - Summary
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[@JohnSmith-bs9ym]

"Learn to say no without saying no." This really helps because I quickly learned that there are some TOXIC people in academia. A lot of professors are great in my university, but some made me wonder how they got to where they were with such toxic personality.

[@danibissonnette1601]

Something I found helpful during my Masters that might translate well to PHD is coming up with a weekly meal schedule and "sales" schedule at the local grocery store.

[@ajsethi9576]

Starting my PhD in a few short weeks - this is great. Thanks mate. Another one I've read is "write 200 words every day without fail" - I plan to implement that one as well.

[@silverliningart2183]

Hows that 200 words a day going now? I wrote like 100 words and was kaput

[@tomatochemist]

What are you writing about right at the start?

[@ajsethi9576]

​@@tomatochemist crippling phdepression

[@baileyelliott7277]

I can write 600 words a day with ease. In my undergrad my winter class prof had us write a 600 words response every day. I was so upset but it helped me with my in my masters program.

[@gbolagadeolajide8595]

@@ajsethi9576 are you fine?

[@meganiles7899]

OMG, genius! That's a great idea, minute 3, where he says to put each paper with the corresponding description on a single slide. If I had done that for my MSc, it would have been so helpful. Thank you!

[@bens4426]

Due to begin my PhD in September. These videos have honestly helped me to feel optimistic about the world load and the process, cheers for the content Andy.

[@Kakirachan]

Your tips are always *chef’s kiss* like I hate other PhD-related content creators when they’re so vague and platitude-y, whereas you give tangible, actionable protocols that I can use ASAP

[@jhen4944]

“Exploring the whims of your supervisor” oooof that hit hard.

[@edwindunhot3807]

Fail a lot!!! that's me... a lot of corrections, rejections, and feeling unmotivated. It is so relieving to see this video. Thank you so much.

[@andreilq]

Samba! I didn't expect that. I wish I had watched your videos in the early stages of my PhD. Greetings from Brazil

[@Zymbo007]

A little over a year into my PhD. Absolutely loved the tips that you shared.

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kumudumadhawakurugama3244]

First of all, thank you for doing such great videos. I just started my Ph.D. and I love your content. I feel blessed that I have found your channel and looking forward to implementing your tips right from the beginning.

[@hunturbo]

I just got accepted to my first PhD program and stumbled upon this channel. I haven't subbed to a channel in years probably but I immediately smashed the sub button after watching a few of your videos. Love this content--it's super helpful considering that I don't know many PhDs in chemistry that I can ask for advice or tips. I'll definitely be sticking around

[@kelvianmularso2587]

Definitely what I need right now, big thanks for your simple and clear explanation

[@Aash0999]

Thank you so much Andy for this video, I really needed this. I'm starting my PhD in October and I feel lucky I subscribed to your channel :)

[@yj7574]

These past few weeks, each new adjustment I've been making to the conditions in my experiments related to my hypothesis has just been failure after failure. Making my presentation for this week's progress meeting, I realized this is just a scrapbook of my failures. And the most devastating thing is that I am just absolutely confused... I even started wondering why my PI doesn't just tell me to pack my things and leave. I was feeling extremely uncomfortable and unworthy, and screaming (searching on youtube) for help when I found your channel! You helped me adjust my perspective that I'm learning and honing in on my area of research, and building confidence in my work. Thank you very much!

[@gbolagadeolajide8595]

I hope you're better now?

[@i_t296]

Thank you for sharing good tips, and doing so while keeping it honest.

[@nuratheefasufeenamsuaree8794]

Start my Ph.D. in October 2021, and still have a few months before one year. Thanks for your advice.

[@jess.the.mess..]

Best tips I’ve found yet on KZbin. Made me feel confident about starting my first year in august. Thanks so much

[@Youn06311]

Thank you for giving us advices and hope

[@shreyadas5065]

Thank you Andy for the good video. I think one more tip would be to join some kind of class or course about communication skills. Early in a PhD people need to present their idea, research question or a certain research paper in front of their own research group or even to some committee. And it is not always easy to present or communicate well for many people. In our undergrad studies, presenting skills are not really taught. So attempting to get better in that might also be quite useful.

[@megha2319]

Hey Andy☺️ I'm so glad I found your videos exactly when my First year of PhD has begun in India. I really enjoy watching your videos. They are so helpful. Thank you for sharing practical tips with us.

[@lvjing8110]

Thank you Andy. I just started my Phd this July. I will enrich your first point of deciding a citation manager ASAP, this is a lesson I've learnt in my previous academic research.

[@edwinaabam3305]

I love your videos, they are so relatable. Your PhD vlogs and Tara Brabazone's @ Flinders university are gold. Every grad/phd student needs to hear them!

[@Yaqeen_ehsan]

I love this channel! Great content! You are right about mature PhD students compared to those that never worked! My working experience certainly helped me pass with first class honours and still have a nice daily routine! I am now going into a PhD with 7 years of teaching experience. Hoping that Incan continue to grow and learn. I appreciate also the powerpoint tip. Never thought of it!

[@ledayl1153]

Loved it, thank you for sharing these wisdom

[@intheskyofnom2187]

Thanks Andy. This is great!

[@priscillaadebayo2114]

Thank you, Andy. I will add that you interact as often as possible with your classmates, it does help relieve the overwhelming feeling. I’m just starting out and this is my experience. I appreciate your videos a lot. God bless.

[@maximeartico7925]

Just started a PhD in polymer chemistry 3months ago I this video pops up on my youtube. Caught by the big data and thank you for that! The chanel is great ! Never seen such a charismatic chemist :D

[@joshxyun]

Beginning my PhD in September - great content - keep up the great work!

[@ronti2492]

AWESOME tip on using PPT....thank you!

[@soniakaushik3067]

I am going to start my PhD in Jan2023 and I found your video at the right time. I am gonna implement every point mentioned by you. Thank you for this relevant content. & Yes you got a new Subscriber!!! 😊🎉

[@kagisohawthorne5313]

me too and im quite nervous

[@isabelliu4447]

Thanks so much for this video! I am about to start my PhD in January and your tips are sooo helpful! I will try to follow your tips when I actually start it!

[@themtvofficial]

Same im starting January as well. Super nervous

[@souravsaha3475]

Same here...I'm also starting PhD in January in Humanities!

[@Daniel_McDougall]

How’s your PhD going?

[@bernaleebotha3332]

Thanks for all the videos! Your videos are on my todo list :) Another tip that you can give students is that they can set the speed for KZbin videos and watch it faster thus having more time to do other things

[@PAScribe]

Hey Andy. Started my PhD Sept 2022 and nearly a semester in. Such amazing content you are sharing. Truly appreciate it. Looking forward to rewatching what I have seen so far, making notes and implementing them. You are an absolute star!

[@cutieaadi9599]

I have to speak the same, Andy great work and I highly appreaciate your time and sharing experiences. thanks a lot man!!

[@krisanthonysilveira8244]

This is sooo Cool ! You are an inspiration.

[@janepatino7837]

This is very helpful. Thank you.

[@BobsBlackwell]

Great tip about the PowerPoint - Thank you!!

[@ahmedbaruwa8433]

So Fascinating! If I get an admit, I am going to watch all of Andy's videos in one day.

[@catherineharrison6629]

Really helpful. Thank you!

[@farzadmilan6171]

love you man many thanks for your great informing

[@swing4335]

thank you! I am doing my phd, and these tips are so useful.

[@kennethbaptiste]

Wonderful. Thank you.

[@sarahahamed970]

Thank you so much for these advices. I am planning to start my PhD soon, in Australia.

[@Skylark-nu4qt]

Thank you., Andy!!👌🏽👌🏽

[@HuHuxLoops]

I love your channel! Thank you for your super helpful videos :)

[@anishavarughese3510]

Starting my PhD next month and I am so glad I found your channel. Really helpful. Thanks

[@AdnanKhan-rr2qz]

Your experience here??

[@shirleyzhang3180]

Thank you for all the wonderful videos about PhD!

[@DrAndyStapleton]

My pleasure!

[@deniwk]

I am going to start my PhD journey at the end of this year. Your video will be very helpful.

[@Nadia-ib6yt]

I wish I knew these tips sooner 😬 very helpful 👏👏

[@shinjinisingh8445]

Thank you so much for the video. It’s really helpful - from a first year PhD student

[@DrAndyStapleton]

You're very welcome!

[@richardgale4827]

Pure gold!

[@foz2071]

Wow! Some brilliant tips here

[@jithinms_]

Hello Andy.. I'm now in the first of my PhD...so happy to have found this video 😀..thank you

[@gulnazlaghari2530]

I am in second year. 😓😓😓 I lost

[@soumyajitsarkar2372]

@@gulnazlaghari2530 you lost what ?

[@antoine1407]

@@gulnazlaghari2530 you so lucky! I hope to join to a phD programme in future

[@poojabhaisa6427]

Thank you!

[@shawnb4745]

Great advice! I'm doing my DBA (finished my MBA in December 2020). You are spot on correct about the structure afforded by undergrad and grad programs is so true. I started my DBA in February 2021 and doing well. My supervisor was great and had one piece of advice: go beyond the required textbook and go deep. My lowest mark was 95 on my first assignment. It's been 100 going forward. Google Scholar is my best friend, last 5 years of literature. Gold. Thanks, Dr. Andy!

[@miriamdong7117]

Where are you doing you DBA?

[@alichopping2703]

Great video! I'd love to see something on how to prepare for PhD interviews

[@wahikorea7379]

Thank you Andy ☺️

[@DrAndyStapleton]

You are so welcome

[@hoangphucpham2182]

starting my PhD in a month. Thanks Andy!

[@erikapetranova575]

Thank you for this video :-) very helpful

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@graceasantewaatwumasi]

This was a great advise.

[@AuntieWendy]

u do have a soothing voice

[@ruijingsophiexin6189]

Thanks for the tips. I am a first year PhD in chemistry in Australia. Lucky that I find your channel. Hope you create more content on how to be successful in PhD. Thanks again for sharing your experience 👍👍

[@DrAndyStapleton]

I got plenty more videos planned! Thank you for your comment and support of the channel.

[@shivanshawasthi27]

thankoyoufor the the first point , makinh ppts about each paper, I was writing summarty about wach paper on word but that was time consuming your channels a blessing

[@DrAndyStapleton]

You're welcome 😊

[@shivanshawasthi27]

@@DrAndyStapleton Could you please make a video about going through the reading part, I have a topic about simulation and fabrication? do I need to go through the only trending iterature from publishing pov? Or Do indeed to go in-depth of every area of that broader topic that I have for example solar cells in your case?

[@RocioGonzalezMeza]

starting my physics PhD in September! thanks for the tips (:

[@jesus-sheeple]

God bless you. I kid you not when you mentioned feeling lost and feeling like everyone else has it together other than me, I was wide-eyed, and thought you were in my head, XD. Thank you so much for this!!

[@DrAndyStapleton]

You are very welcome! What you are feeling is known as the impostor syndrome and I can assure you that everyone is feeling the same as you!

[@troyt3530]

Thanks ☺️

[@smedmoslim2041]

thank you.

[@aditisiddharth6472]

I'm going from practicing clinical medicine to a DPhil- this is like entering a whole new world.. Im excited and petrified

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Good luck with the transition!

[@bobbicals]

I've been watching your videos for a while so you can imagine my surprise when I realise that we are at the same university!

[@starsharp3500]

Excellent. Can you do a video on your reading and powerpoint deck that you've created?

[@i_h2081]

Love this…. The deep work each day 🙌 so manageable, and no, without saying no 🫶

[@omololualeji3666]

About a month into my PhD.😌. Thanks for your tips Andy

[@MechMonstrosity]

Your beard is majestic. Also, thanks for this!

[@igotyou9821]

I feel being attacked 😂 but I really needed these advice thank you bro 🤍 ‘A lost first year PhD student’

[@naveennegi4217]

I lost first semester

[@aunizulfaka6839]

same here....

[@ruthemberru-ekperiware8306]

Hmmm. I need direction Dear Lord

[@Rfranceli1981]

Regards from Brazilian phds!!

[@ganbatgantulga3833]

I have just started my phd and failing in experiments for first 3 months. Burned out and thankfully found your videa 😅

[@swansonp8582]

I try to do sth similar with the different papers but then I lose track of my system. The powerpoint is so going to help. Thankyou so much!

[@ronti2492]

Bloody heck Andy, I've got Imposter Syndrome now, and am only just putting together my application to Kings College London! VBut its a exciting, apprehensive feeling, not quite fear, but close...all the very best from an Australian going in your reverse direction ( =as I understand you completed your doctorate in UNSW...?)

[@Zoe-hh6dl]

Oh how did it all go? (Reading your interesting comment 3 years later and curious!)

[@AbdulWahab-pj2ew]

Thank you for making great videos on PhD tips. Can you explain the pros and cons of Joint PhD between two universities? And is it more superior compared to a PhD from one university?

[@larissacury7714]

Hi! Thanks for the video! Do you have any videos on this power point technique? I found it really.interesting. I currently use Zotero. ps: another Brazilian here!

[@erickmoreta8287]

Please make a video on how to aquire the knowledge to do analysis. Specially for pwoplenwoth quemistry /biology.

[@lidoevera]

Hey Andy, great video! I think it would be very helpful if you were to include links to books, apps or websites you mention in the video description. Love the content

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Great suggestion! I'll add them in!

[@MuhammadKhalid-jw1gd]

Thanks for the informative video, How do you understand any new concept? How do you understand the difficult mathematics associated with any concept/topic you encounter in a research article? How did you came up with your research question/problem for your PhD?

[@user-xj9vi1pv9e]

Thank you so much. Is there any blog or society or Telegram channel for such advice and shafing experiences ? I am starting my PhD soon and contemplating my whole life.

[@k0185123]

Thank you Andy. This video is quite helpful. I will start my PhD in 2023 at KU Leuven with 4-year PhD scholarship, meaning I will have to complete PhD within 4 years, instead of 5-7 years in U.S. Do you have any suggestions on 4-year PhD? I'm a little bit afraid of their expectation of me because I need time to get familiar with the theory and methodology that they're used to. Thank you.

[@Rainstorm121]

Thanks for the video......still to get on top of this matlab coding. No mathematics, neither statistics at undergrad, hence I am too slow. At 8 months of the first year. Andy, have you produced a video, that I might miss, on how to write the first peer reviewed journal article?

[@lululillian64]

Hi, Andy. Thank you for this video. I will adopt all you said verbatim. If it works in one of the African Universities. You will be the first to know. I hope to keep in touch with you.

[@annewrites...8385]

Thank you. I am starting my PhD next year. My supervisor is already telling me to read!

[@francishunt562]

Believe me, that is very good advice.

[@reneehoffman5683]

Zotero is a good citation manager

[@alirezaa6530]

Hey Andy, Thanks a lot for your video. I am a massive procrastinator and I have this bad mentality that "other" people are doing more than me (like 8 or 10 hours a day) and I can only do the same you mentioned (the 1.5 hours in the morning and the afternoon)... that really messes me up. Ps. I was the winner of a grant this year, but I dont see value in my work ever. Would love to know ur opinion on this.

[@SecAllTheWay]

Whoever gave the grant has seen value!

[@JPBessa-pf3cl]

Dude, I love your videos! I am Brazilian but even I don't knowing how to dance samba, I loved to see my country mentioned here! Do you have a LinkedIn account that I can connect with?

[@suejack6819]

Love the videos. I find them really helpful. About to start a professional doctorate in the new year. How do you manage all the readings. I like scribbling on the reading. Is there a good way of managing all the paper so you can refer to them again easily. I use EndNote as a reference tool. But I still like a piece of paper. But there’s got to be a better way of managing it all than the way I’ve done in the past. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[@amirhosseinbamdad8275]

You can use Mendeley library to sort out your readings and papers. I personally prefer a simple Exel file instead of Powerpoint or Mendeley. It is super easy to work with and find your keywords by search option. you can put each paper in a row with the title, year, name of the Authors, and your description of that paper, obviously. I rather personalize keywords and descriptions of a paper to find it faster whenever I need it. It needs lots of effort at the beginning but in the end, you'll get your prize by catching all you need super fast, especially in deadlines. hope this helps.

[@suejack6819]

@@amirhosseinbamdad8275 thank you. Sounds like a good plan. I need to have a good think about the set up. Key words and categories will be important

[@musamusa990]

Does PhD in STEM vs Social Science indifferent? And whether US university has different system compare to UK, Aus, etc?

[@jameslee3357]

"Fail a lot" I'm ~6 months in and yeah this was pretty unavoidable for me lol

[@anammaccoi7846]

Can you show us those power points for reference purpose...

[@elizabethk3238]

Having 2 masters degrees (1 academic (MEd), and 1 professional (MSW), I do not recommend jumping from undergrad to PhD. I feel very comfortable in the event I might choose to do a PhD.

[@janswanton3631]

I really find your videos helpful. May I ask for more information on one point. You talk as though, as a PhD student, you are interacting with people at the University other than your supervisor. I have 8 degrees (4 xM.A.s, 2 xB.As and a couple of degree level professional qualifications). But because I have always worked full time and done these at evening classes, I've never had any contact with the various Universities outside of the actual lecture. Noy having time to go to libraries, I've always just bought the books I needed. Now I am retired, I shall be doing my PhD remotely (partly Covid, partly geography). Please could you elucidate as to what PhDs students are expected to do at a university, other than research for their qualification. Thanks.

[@milankaur6626]

Following this, have the same question

[@not_ever]

Things that PhD students do outside of research may include: Teaching or being a teaching assistant for undergrads in labs/tutorials etc. Attending weekly meetings within their departments/with other departments in the university/with students and faculty from other universities, to discuss research or papers or whatever Attending/organising conferences Do admin things for lecturers who may or may not be their supervisor A lot of PhD students have their own office space/desk in my UK university in (open plan offices) so they can interact with other PhD students (Obviously current pandemic restrictions apply)

[@lizablue6361]

What did you get you PhD in? I have a suspicion that it could be in polymer science?

[@amrseleem]

Many thanks, Andy, really informative and insightful videos! I would like to hear from you if one is going to do a PhD in 30's after being away from Academia for like 5-7 yrs, prons and cons! What kind of structure to bring. :)

[@hkicgh7277]

Age does not influence your study.

[@MD-pl8fr]

Guys, how many of you feel inadequate? How do you overcome it?