Here’s a general outline of what you might be doing in the early months of your research degree.
Of course, your day-to-day activities and schedule will vary according to your academic discipline, and also whether you’re full-time or part-time. This should give you an idea and also a basis for discussions with your supervisor.
1st Month
FIND OUT ABOUT AND ATTEND INDUCTION EVENTS
- Your Department/School
- Sussex Researcher School (SRS)
- Students' Union
- Central University induction
- Library tour
MAKE CONTACT WITH YOUR SUPERVISOR(S)
- Schedule your first meeting
- Check the frequency of subsequent meetings
- Establish expectations for your working relationship
- Use the Supervision Expectations Questionnaire to clarify your roles
BOOK WORKSHOPS
- Researcher Development Programme (RDP)
- Department of Language Studies (if applicable)
SETTLE DOWN IN THE UK / BRIGHTON / UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX
- Explore your new environment
- Seek guidance from International Student Support (if applicable)
- Make some friends
- Look after your wellbeing by getting to know the support networks on campus
2nd Month
READ THE GUIDANCE AND REGULATIONS FOR POSTGRADUATE RESEARCHERS
- Make sure you understand the regulations and requirements
- Familiarise yourself with the annual review procedure
MAKE A PLAN FOR YOUR RESEARCH
- Schedule your work for the first year
- Make a rough plan for the following years
CHECK OUT THE LIBRARY
- Find out about the specialist support they offer researchers
- Explore the catalogue and collections for relevant books, journals and databases
- Take a Library literature searching workshop through the RDP
- Visit the Hive (top floor) if you're looking for study space
3rd Month
START PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST PROGRESSION REVIEW
- Draft your research proposal
- Design your presentation (if applicable)
MEET YOUR RESEARCH COMMUNITIES
- Find out about the research centres and groups at Sussex
- Connect to other researchers in your field through ResearchGate, Academia.edu, Twitter, and subject specific networks
DECIDE HOW TO ORGANISE YOUR RESEARCH
- Explore software for writing, note-taking, and bibliographic referencing
- Find a suitable study space
- Establish your daily/weekly routine
4th, 5th and 6th Months
DO YOUR RESEARCH
- Get going with your research and keep a log
- Continue and modify your daily/weekly/monthly schedule
PREPARE FOR FIELDWORK / RESEARCH TRIPS
ATTEND A CONFERENCE
TEACHING
- Consider signing up for the Fundamentals of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education course.