How to Get Through a PhD Program

PhD program is all about hard work and determination. If getting PhD was easy, everyone would have it. So, don't get discouraged and follow these guidelines.

Things You'll Need

• determination
• time (and lots of it)

Instructions

1. The program
   First, talk to the department advisor to find out what are the demands of the program.
   Next, read the course descriptions carefully and decide which courses will be interesting to take.
   Understand the program requirements and make a plan which courses you will take in which year of the program, and when to take qualifying (comprehensive) exams.

2. Find support.
   It is good to work in groups on homework and projects, so join a study group and find a study buddy. If there is no study group in your program, make a new one - email other students in the program and find a room to study on campus.
   You will also need emotional support. If your friends and family does not provide it, find out about wellness programs on campus. They provide help in dealing with stress and anxiety (something that grad students often deal with).

3. Take care of yourself.
   Always remember about taking break from studying. It is good to engage yourself in physical activities like stretching, walking, swimming, yoga. However, make sure they don't drain you energy.
   Eat healthy. Remember about including fish and veggies in your diet. Do not skip any meals. Try to drink tea instead of coffee. Avoid tobacco products and larger amounts of alcohol, they hamper memory.

4. Work
   Don't work too much on things your program does not require.
   Get a TA or RA position in your department, it might be helpful in your studies and is not so time consuming.
   Research scholarships, grants, and fellowships. Take student loans, you will pay them back when you get your degree.

Tips & Warnings

• avoid stress - seek help

• have a plan (decide on courses and exams ahead)

• forget about parties (or at least many of them)

• your free time will be your study time - but that's OK, everyone will envy you your determination

• if you cannot fully commit to it, finish with BA or MA