Starting a PhD may require profound changes to the way that you're used to study and work. This is because working towards a doctoral degree requires you to conduct independent research into unexplored fields, addressing questions that may or may not have an answer depending on the direction of your project. This is why it is important that you manage your expectations and start your PhD with a clear mindset as to what you're trying to achieve and how you will set out to do it.

Here is some advice that may aid all new PhD students at the University of Cambridge.

• First and foremost, always aim to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Your PhD will push you to unfathomable lengths, particularly in times when your research will seem to be at a crossroad and you won't be able to produce results as quickly as you expected. Stay calm and take time to cultivate some interests outside of your work. 

• Read the literature. Sometimes the answer might be closer than you think: you just have to look for it. Time and time again you will be looking to piece together your findings and integrate them in the context of the wider literature. Don't forget to spare some time to read and digest the literature around your research field. In the end, your PhD will make you an expert of your research area so it is crucial that you build that expertise by familiarising with available data and ideas.

• It's never too early to start writing your thesis. This is something that most PhD students will tell you after years of painstaking research and little time to write up their findings. A good idea is to write down your observations as you go along whether or not your data is polished and/or conclusive. These notes might be just what you need when your thesis submission deadline is fast approaching and you to pull together your findings to generate chapters for your thesis. 

• Make sure to be honest with your supervisor at all times. All PhD students struggle at some point of their PhD and in virtually all cases they will find a way out of it. Throughout the ups and downs of your research, it is important that you communicate extensively with your supervisor to let them know how your research is progressing and if there is anything that is holding you back. Your PhD must not be a solitary journey and you will be surprised to find out how much help and support is available when you ask for it. 

Upon arriving in Cambridge, you will go through some form of induction before starting your PhD. This is usually carried out by your University but it is likely that other forms of induction will also be present in your specific department and/or your specific lab. The exact nature of the induction at your Department will depend on the nature of your research. For example, STEM students handling potentially hazardous substances may need to carry out compulsory health and safety training on how to execute specific tasks in the lab involving those substances. 

The general induction provide by the University will usually give you an overview regarding:

• PhD training available at the University
• General Health and Safety information 
• University rules and regulations 

During this general induction you may also be introduced to university or departmental student societies and invited to social events. This could be a great opportunity for you to start thinking about which societies to join and which events to attend to learn more about the many opportunities available in Cambridge. 

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