PhD & Academic Life

Practical guidance for deciding on a PhD, applying, building a research routine, writing the thesis and finishing well. Choose the stage you are at, then follow the guides that answer your next question.
Decide and apply: Should you do a PhD?, find funding, choose a supervisor, email a potential supervisor, write a proposal and prepare for the interview.
Build the research: start your PhD, use the years 1–4 timeline, read journal articles, organise research papers, compare sources, write the literature review, find the research gap and narrow the research question.
Supervision and writing: prepare for supervision, turn feedback into an action plan, manage PhD time and work through dissertation writing difficulties.
Share, defend and finish: prepare a conference presentation, practise viva questions, prepare for the viva and mark the finish.
Free templates and printables · Study tools and planning guides
Explore related collections: Research & Academic Writing Resources guides you through reading, literature reviews, research questions and presenting findings. Wellbeing & Productivity brings together realistic approaches to focus, motivation and burnout.

How to Keep a Research Journal: Template and Example

Open lined notebook and pen beside a laptop on a wooden desk.

Keep a useful research journal with a copyable template, a fictional worked example and a simple way to turn entries into decisions and supervisor questions.

PhD Weekly Planner: Free Template and Worked Example

An open weekly planner with two pens resting on its pages

Download a free PhD weekly planner with a worked example. Plan research outcomes, supervisor decisions, dependencies and realistic buffer time.

PhD Graduation Gifts: 15 Thoughtful, Useful Ideas

A pink and white bouquet resting on white fabric

Find thoughtful PhD graduation gifts for their next chapter, with 15 practical ideas, budget options and checks before buying a personalised keepsake.

PhD Progress Report: Template and Annotated Example

Write a clear PhD progress report with a copyable template, annotated example and practical guidance on evidence, delays and your next research plan.

How to Take Notes on Research Papers: A Worked Example

Glasses, a notebook and a laptop on a desk

Learn how to take notes on research papers with a copyable template, a real worked example and a simple system for literature review writing.

PhD Interview Presentation: Structure, Slides and Examples

Prepare a PhD interview presentation with adaptable five- and ten-minute slide plans, a worked example, rehearsal advice and a final checklist.

How to Write a Conference Abstract: Examples and Checklist

An open white spiral notebook on a wooden table

Write a conference abstract with a copyable structure, annotated examples for completed and ongoing research, and a practical submission checklist.

Academic Poster Layout: Templates and a Worked Example

A researcher presenting a scientific poster at a meeting

Plan an academic poster layout with two adaptable structures, a worked example, readable figures and a practical print and presentation checklist.

Thank-You Messages for a PhD Supervisor: 20 Examples

A thank-you note and black pen on a wooden surface

Find 20 thank-you messages for a PhD supervisor, plus adaptable card and email templates for feedback, references, submission and graduation.

PhD Care Package Ideas for the First Term

A brown gift box tied with a pink ribbon

Build a thoughtful first-term PhD care package with useful essentials, sample budgets, a packing checklist and low-cost ways to offer practical help.