Expected Research Progress for a 1st-year PhD

[throwaway1213]

Hi all,

I'm a 1st year Computer Science PhD student and I'm wondering about the general pace I'm expected to make on my research. I'm currently taking 3 classes (not insanely hard, but a consistent amount of work) and TA'ing 2 classes (split 10hrs each, but the actual amount varies week by week). Between working on homework, grading, holding office hours and grad life in general, I've noticed that I'm left with little time for doing research. 

My question is: is this normal? Am I not managing my time well enough? Should I cut down on things like seeing friends on weekends? I'm fortunate enough to already have an advisor but I want to make a good impression, but at the same time not stretch myself too thin. 

[fuzzylogician]

This is really a question for your advisor. Expectations can vary quite a bit between programs. At mine, first-year students never TAed but spent almost all of their time on coursework. Some research happened in the second semester of first year, but really things only picked up in the summer and in second year (and beyond). Other programs I know are different, and students are expected to have a project to show by the end of their first year. So bottom line is that we can't know.* There might be a graduate student handbook you can consult, and you could ask more advanced students or see if there is any relevant text on your department's website. But I don't think there is any reason for you to worry that asking your advisor if you are dividing up your time correctly and if you're making good progress would make a bad impression on him/her. Those are good questions and a sign of someone who is aware and hard-working. 

* Either way, though, feeling a bit overwhelmed with the teaching and coursework is normal. With time you'll adjust and learn to be more efficient. 

[bhr]

I'll second @fuzzylogician and say that it is incredibly dependent on your program, advisor, and even funding packages. For example, I got an extra "research incentive" with my package, with the understanding that I'll have at least one project formed coming out of this year (instead of taking an extra quarter time assistantship). There are also going to be opportunities to jump on projects with faculty or other graduate students, depending on your program. In addition, I would start looking at your coursework and TAship to see if there was anything coming out of them that can be turned into a larger project. In my program, most graduate level classes have a "big project" that you can kind of tailor to meet your own needs, which is how most people get their first couple conference submissions or publications.