I am passionate about my research area, but what I enjoy most about doing a PhD here is working alongside the other PhD students and staff members. We have a fantastic culture here that most other departments and universities lack. A close-knit, friendly community of very intelligent, cultured and inclusive individuals all supporting each other and doing countless group activities together including sports, reading groups, pub quizzes, nights out, department socials etc. A support network is vital for not only successfully writing a quality PhD, but enjoying and growing as a person throughout these years.
I would describe my PhD as more like a job, but without a boss! It's very flexible and as long as you have the drive, organisation and independence to keep on top of your workload, working with and learning from your supervisors and colleagues, making and keeping to deadlines and writing at a high standard, it can be a very rewarding 9-5 experience. It differs from undergraduate/master’s study because they are mostly teaching-based, whereas a PhD is entirely working on your own thesis. No classes, exams or coursework, just 100% your own original work.
My day as a PhD student consists of getting in for 8.30-9am, spending 30 minutes to an hour chatting to other staff members and PhD students, making coffee etc. Between 9-12.30, I will be working at my computer, reading, writing, completing administrative tasks or attending meetings (maybe an average of one or two per week). We always meet for lunch at 12.30pm in the foyer or, if it's a nice day, outside in the sunshine. 1.30-5pm is time for working/meetings again. This may include some teaching, exam invigilation (all paid) or attending seminars or workshops run by the Doctoral College (a great way to meet PhD students from across the University!). After work, we play sports at least twice a week, attend a pub quiz or have a night out at least once a week, all open invitation; some people come to everything and others to none - it's very relaxed and informal.