How does it feel to be a PhD student?

Being a Doctoral Student Is Not Like Being an Undergrad You’re there for the academic experience, not for anything else. Don’t expect to be able to join clubs and have time to socialize or go to football games. You may even find yourself feeling jealous of undergrads.

Can a PhD be fun?

If you’re in a good program, getting a PhD can be a fun and stimulating experience (although still a lot of work). The main thing I would say is, you should be deriving some net benefit from getting a PhD.

When do you think about getting a PhD?

When you are an undergraduate student, your main concern is your study and the rest is just fun. But PhD usually happens when you have more important commitments. If you are not married, you are probably thinking of it. If you are married and have not had children yet, that is probably the next thing you are thinking of. Do you have children?

Should You Quit Your PhD for your mental health?

A PhD should never come at the cost of your mental health. Institutions almost never have systems in place to monitor and address the health of PhD students. If at this point you have already decided you are definitely going to quit then don’t read on.

Do friends and family understand the value of a PhD?

Friends, partners, and family members may not understand the worth of a PhD, and may not be supportive of the choice to pursue one. Many a PhD student has been distressed by a well-meaning relative asking when they will be finished with their PhD and get a real job.

What are the most common problems faced by PhD students?

One of the most common problems for PhD students is the feeling of isolation. PhD candidates often work alone, having few, or sometimes no other people on their project, this while friends may be working in offices and in teams, enjoying a far more social side to the 9-5.