Looking back, there are a few things I wish someone had told me before I began. If you’re thinking about starting a PhD or are already in the early stages, I hope these reflections help you feel a little more prepared –and a little less alone.

1. It’s a marathon, not a sprint

One of my first lessons was that a PhD is a long-term commitment. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that you need to make rapid progress or publish early. But research doesn’t always move in a straight line. Experiments fail, data takes time to analyze, and ideas evolve.

Trying to sprint through your PhD can lead to burnout, which is unfortunately common among graduate students. Setting long-term goals and breaking them into smaller, manageable tasks helped me stay motivated. Celebrating small wins, like finishing a draft or getting feedback, made a big difference.

Building sustainable work habits is key. That means taking breaks, setting boundaries, and recognizing that rest is part of the process, not a distraction from it.

2. Your supervisor can make or break the experience

Your relationship with your supervisor is one of the most important parts of your PhD. A good supervisor can guide, support, and challenge you in the right ways. But if the relationship is strained or communication is poor, it can make the entire experience more difficult.

I was lucky to have a supportive supervisor, but I’ve seen peers struggle with mismatched expectations or a lack of guidance. If you’re not getting what you need, it’s okay to speak up. Schedule regular check-ins, clarify goals, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback.

If things don’t improve, explore your options. Many universities have support systems in place, including the possibility of changing supervisors. It’s not a failure – it’s about finding the right fit for your project and your growth.

3. Impostor syndrome is real and common

At some point, most PhD students feel like they don’t belong. I remember attending seminars, convinced that everyone else was smarter and more capable. That feeling has a name: impostor syndrome.

It’s more common than you might think, especially in competitive academic environments. The pressure to perform, publish, and impress can make you question your abilities, even when you’re doing well.

Talking to others helped me. Peer support groups, therapy, and even casual chats with colleagues reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Keeping track of my progress also helped me see how far I’d come, even when I felt stuck.

If you’re feeling this way, know that it doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for research. It just means that you care.

4. Publishing isn’t everything

There’s a lot of pressure in academia to publish early and often. While publishing is important, it’s not the only measure of success. I spent months chasing a paper that never materialized, and it left me feeling like I had nothing to show for my work.

But I was learning valuable skills, data analysis, writing, and collaboration, that didn’t appear in a publication list. Networking at conferences, mentoring undergraduates, and contributing to team projects were just as meaningful.

Focus on quality over quantity. Align your publications with your research goals, and don’t let the pressure to publish overshadow your learning.

Remember, a PhD is a training period, not just a production line.

5. Life outside the lab matters

This might be the most important thing I’ve learned: your PhD is part of your life, not your whole life. It’s easy to let research take over, especially when deadlines loom or experiments demand your time. But neglecting your well-being can lead to long-term consequences.

I used to feel guilty for taking weekends off or spending time on hobbies. But those breaks made me more productive, not less. Drawing, cooking, and spending time outdoors with friends helped me recharge and brought balance to my routine.

Treat your PhD like a job. Set working hours, take holidays, and make space for the things that bring you joy. You’re not just a researcher – you’re a whole person.

If I could go back and give myself advice before starting my PhD, it would be this: be patient, be kind to yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The journey is challenging, but it’s also full of growth, discovery, and connection.

Everyone’s path is different, and there’s no single way to “do” a PhD. But sharing our experiences can make the road smoother for those who come after us.

References

1. Levecque, K., Anseel, F., De Beuckelaer, A., Van der Heyden, J. & Gisle, L. Work organization and mental health problems in PhD students.  Res. Policy  46, 868–879 (2017).
2. Woolston, C. PhDs: the tortuous truth.  Nature  575, 403–406 (2019).
3. Woolston, C. Graduate survey: A love–hurt relationship.  Nature  550, 549–552 (2017).
4. Elsevier. Publishing ethics. https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies-and-standards/publishing-ethics (accessed 2 June 2025).
5. Nature Editorial. The mental health of PhD researchers demands urgent attention.  Nature  575, 257–258 (2019).