Introduction to PhD essentials!

Starting university for the first time or PhD can feel like stepping into a new world of research. It involves writing and constant learning. Having the right tools is ESSENTIAL! It can make a huge difference in staying organised, maintaining productivity, and – let’s be honest- keeping our sanity intact! Here are some PhD essentials that I rely on to help me stay on track. Bonus: I’ve included links here you can find these, so you can check them out directly!

1) A reliable Laptop or Computer

Your laptop will be your best friend throughout your PhD! Whether you’re analysing data, writing your thesis, or managing your references, having a dependable and efficient computer is non-negotiable.

Key Features to Look For:

High performance: Look for laptops with fast processors and at least 16GB of RAM for smooth multitasking.

Storage: Personally, I would say opt for at least 512 GB Solid-State Drive (SSD) for faster performance and space for research files.

Tip: Always back up your work using external hard drive. Or even cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox.

2) Portable External Monitor

A single laptop screen isn’t always enough for multiple tasks. These tasks include reading papers, running coding scripts, and drafting your thesis. An external monitor can dramatically improve your workflow by giving you extra screen space.

Why is it useful: Switching between tabs and windows constantly can slow you down and strain your eyes. A second monitor lets you keep reference papers, coding scripts and analyse data.

3) A functional Workspace

I’m all about doing everything I can to boost productivity! A well-organised and comfortable workspace is one of the best to achieve this. It’s not just about having a desk; it’s about creating an environment where you can focus and work efficiently.

Workspace Essentials:

Ergonomic chair: An ergonomic chair reduces back pain. This is especially important if you will be at your desk for a long time.

Lighting: Remember it is important not to strain your eyes. But sometimes time at the computer is needed e.g. if you are doing computational work. A good LED light will help reduce eye strain.

Organisation Tools: Use file organisers, sticky notes, and a whiteboard for visualising your tasks!

Pro Tip: Keep your workspace clutter-free to minimise distractions and boost focus

4) Time Management Tools

Balancing experiments, writing, and personal life is one of the toughest parts of a PhD. Using the right tools can help you stay on top of deadlines and remain organised. I go into more detail about how to stay organised as a PhD student in here!

Physical Planner: During your studies, keeping track of deadlines, meetings and experiments is crucial in a PhD program! A good planner can help you organise your thoughts and plan your day, helping you to be more productive. Planning your days helps you become more aware of how you spend your time, leading to better decision-making.  I recommend the papier planner or the productivity planner!

Digital Planners: Some people prefer digital planners over physical planners. A digital planner may be better if you need to share your plans with others or prefer to have your planner across all devices. Apps like Google Calendar or Notion help track deadlines and schedule tasks.

Timers: A Pomodoro timer can help maintain focus and avoid burnout by encouraging breaks.

5) Noise Cancelling headphones

We’ve all been there while trying to focus, but the lab or office sometimes gets too noisy! Noise-cancelling headphones are a game changer for getting work done in a loud environment or commuting to university. Concentrating and staying focused is the best way to be productive.

Why you need them: PhDs often require long hours of intense focus. Noise-cancelling headphones can create a peaceful environment wherever you are.

6) Productivity Apps and Tools

Productivity is not only about doing more, but also about doing things better and more efficiently. Numerous productivity tools can help streamline your daily tasks, reduce procrastination and manage your workflow. A detailed blog post on the best productivity apps for students is coming soon!

Example tools:

Notion: An app where you can organise your notes, create to-do lists, and track projects. Perfect for students juggling multiple tasks.

Forest: This app motivates you to stay focused by growing virtual trees! This is good for anyone (like myself) who is prone to always checking their phone! The less time you spend on your phone, the more trees will grow!

OneNote: This is a digital notebook where you can create separate notebooks for different subjects. This can then be organised into sections and further pages.

7) Reference Management Software

One of the biggest challenges during a PhD is keeping track of the vast amounts of literature you will read. Whether you are writing reports, review papers, grant proposals etc., a good reference management tool is essential. (I still don’t know how I managed to do my undergraduate degree without a reference software!)

Why you need it: Managing references is time-consuming and its very easy to make mistakes. Tools such as Endnote and Mendeley integrate directly with word processors, allowing you to insert citations with ease. It also automatically generates bibliographies in your chosen style.

Recommendations:

• Zotero: Free and highly user-friendly. It also has browser extensions to quickly save articles as you browse.
• EndNote: A paid tool with advanced features like sharing libraries and customizing citation styles.
• Mendeley: Ideal if you prefer organizing PDFs alongside notes and references.

8) A water bottle (Yes, Really!)

It’s easy to forget to stay hydrated during long hours in the lab or library. A durable, reuasbel water bottle will remind you to drink enough water during the day.

Recommendation:

Look for a bottle with measurement markings to track your intake. Alternatively, get a chilly’s bottle that keeps your drinks hot or cold for hours!

Bonus: A Coffee Machine

Let’s face it, caffeine is the fuel of many PhD students. Investing in a coffee machine saves money on daily Costa or Café Nero and gives you the convenience of a pick-me-up whenever you need it!

Pro Tip: Stock up on healthy snacks too! Keeping brain-friendly snacks like nuts, fruit, or granola bars at your desk helps maintain energy throughout the day.

Conclusion

Remember, a PhD is a marathon, not a sprint! Having the right tools can transform a daunting experience into an enjoyable and enriching journey. Whether it is a reliable laptop, good productivity apps or a functional workspace, each element contributes to your success! Take a moment to assess what you have and what you might need-then make it happen. You’ve got this!