As a PhD student nearly two years into my thesis I’m starting to get an idea of how hard a doctorate really is. Impostor syndrome has struck many times, usually manifesting itself as me staring at my data feeling like a failure because I STILL haven’t found a relationship. Surely my supervisor could have chosen a better student than me? Why did I think I could do this?
At times like these it’s good to seek help, whether it’s a trip to Shilling to unburden yourself to other students or going to the Health Centre to take advantage of their free counselling service. If you need a quiet(ish) space to get away from your thesis for a little while, try Alice Candy – while it is hidden right on the edge of campus, it’s a great place to make yourself a cup of tea and just unwind. Aside from the free caffeine, it’s the home of the student experience and success team – a bunch of cool and totally awesome people who will help you out any way they can.
It’s always a good idea to keep your supervisor or your postgraduate coordinator in mind for anything from how to find a 6-month report form to talking through taking a suspension. Don’t forget to check in on your friends too, it’s incredible how much it helps to be able to talk to someone who understands and is going through the same things!
And remember; never give up, we’re all in this together.
Written by Gabby Watson
