Currently, my days essentially start with checking emails. Then, depending what's on my to-do list, I may either dive into reading some journal articles, analysing data, or writing. Some days are a bit different if I have teaching responsibilities or data collection. I probably let my studies bleed into my outside time more than others. As a self-funded student, I feel I have more of an incentive to ensure that I wrap up my work as timely as possible. However, I live in one of the villages outside Loughborough with my girlfriend and dog, so I feel like I'm able to disconnect from work more so than if I lived with other students in Loughborough.
A PhD is different to my previous studies as I feel like I have more freedom in what direction to take my work and with how I work, which is both a good and could be a bad thing for some. If I wasn't self-disciplined, that freedom could allow me to get far behind in my work. However, I like the freedom because it feels like you're treated somewhat more like a colleague than a student. While a PhD is difficult, I must admit that I find it easier than my master's programme. However, my master's programme had classes full-time, a thesis, required a practicum component where I had to provide therapy to individuals in the community, and I completed it in two years rather than the recommended three years.
To fund my studies I receive an annual £2,000 international studentship from the SSEHS (School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences). I self-fund the rest, which is common to do for psychology doctorates and many other doctorates in the United States - despite what is put out there online. Despite self-funding, I'm saving over 60% on my degree by doing it in the UK rather than the programmes I applied to in the US.