How are you spending the summer before the PhD

[Shawn Sun]

Hi all,

Hope everything's going well with your applications, research, and life!

I'm an incoming PhD student and just wrapped up a really intense year - completing my master's coursework, thesis, and PhD applications all at once. Now, with my visa secured and housing nearly settled, I suddenly find myself with almost two free months before the PhD starts - and no idea what to do with them. I don't want to work on research, as I'm sure I'll get plenty of that soon. I'm tired of traveling, as I already went on a travel spree over the past month. Even video games are not hitting the spot.

It's a strange feeling. This is the last summer before the next big chapter begins, something I've looked forward to for a long time, and now I don't know how to enjoy it.

Just wondering: how are you all spending your pre-PhD summer? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Best,
Shawn

 

[JPYSD]

Hello dear Shawn,

First of all: Congratulations on your visa and your PhD acceptance. Exciting times ahead!

Having gone through this last year, honestly, don't do any "preparation": Your first months will be stressful enough and I think the best way to prepare is to relax and start the program well rested. A few things I would do still:

1) Clean up your laptop (the files, not the actual device), get your software up to date, maybe think of a folder or note taking structure and just arrive with a digitally clean mind.
2) Maybe sharpen your research idea a little bit or at least update yourself on what you truly wanted to do going into the program. Many professors and students will ask you about your interests, and while they will certainly change and develop during the first two years, it is good to have some kind of updated "elevator pitch" ready. Not just for other people, but to also keep yourself "on the right track".
3) Properly look up all the professors in your department and not just those on your application, as you will most likely deal with all of them in certain events. Also have fun going into other departments that are not PoliSci and develop some interdisciplinary interest.
4) Start thinking about your second subfield. 
5) Understand how taxes, bank account, phone contract and all of those things work. Inform yourself on your new duty as a citizen of a new city: local politics. Ideally, already start reading a local newspaper to understand what is going in your new city.
6) Most importantly: Get to know the neighborhood and the city you are going to move to. You will have limited time and headspace when actually starting the program and it is just great to already have a vague idea what to do, where to eat, dance and how to have some fun. Create leisure lists to remember things and find or rediscover new hobbies. This will be so important for your mental health and to find friends outside of your program.
7) Think of ways how to stay in contact with your friends when moving abroad. This will be very hard going forward and I always found it quite helpful to already have some kind of catch up routine in place before you actually leave the country. Sounds unnecessary now, but trust me.

DON'T DO ANY POLISCI READINGS. You will do enough of them soon.

Edited June 12 by JPYSD