Hi everyone,

I realise this question could have a million answers as every topic is different but I am just after some idea of what people actually achieved in their fist year of their PhD. I am in the humanities and started October last year. Currently working on literature review and what I am actually going to do! Just wondering what everyone else had written in their first year, often feel like i spend most of my time thinking rather than doing!

Anyone willing to share what they actually had completed before the first year end? Lit review complete? introduction or methodology?

Thanks! :)

Phoebe

Thanks to everyone for your replies - It definately makes me feel better its not just me! :)

Feeling a bit more positive about it all. My topic area is so new everything i read points to my research being either already done or very likely to be done in the near future which i think sent me into a negative state of mind! Im currently trying to pin down some structured research questions which should help me focus!

Thanks again to everyone :)

Hi all,

Basically i stated my PhD about 4 months ago and really feel like i should leave. I came straight from undergrad at the same uni with my tutor becoming my supervisor. My project has changed so much which i thought was a good thing but now it links into so many wider theories which i dont see how i can link them all together. The whole thing seems so big with too many little aspects which dont seem to come together coherently. I really get on with all the other PhDers in the department but they make me feel so behind. There so bright and some already writing work which is going to be published. I am nowhere near that standard.

I have spent the day looking at job sites as i just feel like im wasting my time becasue someone is bound to decide i am rubbish or my project will be rejected.

Sorry to sound so miserable i just never thought i would actually think seriously about quitting :(
Anyone else feel like this or have done before?
Thanks!

I have just started my PhD straight from my undergraduate degree. I have stayed at the same uni where there are 2 others who have done this move without a masters. I think it depends on the department really, some are more willing than others i think based on the type of work you want to do. :)

This post has thoroughly cheered me up. After a tough first month wondering what iv let myself in for this has made me think i can do this and keep my life at the same time.
Thanks JinKim
:-)

Thanks to everyone for your replies you really have made me feel better about the whole situation. I think its also difficult that my head of department is one of my supervisors and therefore has the scare factor!

I did think about doing a masters but the funding was a big issue. I was reassured that it is possible to go straight to PhD so assumed it would be OK. Working on improving what i wrote today and hopefully my next meeting (in two weeks) will be better.

Feeling a bit more positive, just need to work on taking constructive criticism!!

Thanks again

Sorry for this moan of a post!

I have just had my first official supervisor meeting where we discussed a report i had written and my research ideas. Long story short they pretty much hated it all. Said not really worthy of full research project and report needs lots of improvement. They even criticised the work i had referenced. I came straight up from undergrad at the same uni as i am now doing my PhD so know my supervisors already. I feel utterly gutted. After the high of getting a 1st at undergrad and getting funding to go straight to PhD i am now left feeling unworthy of my place and totally out of my depth. I feel like i should just quit and let someone else have my place. I thought my ideas were good and now feel incapable of working at this level! I just don't know what to do...

Massive thanks to everyone for their replies. I had a bit more of a productive few days i think. Managed to find some core literature as suggested which has helped a lot as a starting point!

Also nice to know others are in the same boat. I think the first bit must be the hardest for everyone no matter what discipline!

I have got my second supervisor meeting on Friday where i get feedback on a short report they asked me to write this week so hopefully give me a boost (or the total opposite but trying not to think about that :) ) So just aiming for a productive week of reading and getting more into the rhythm of PhD life!

Thanks again! :)

Hi everyone,

Iv just starting my PhD in the humanities and am finding it a bit difficult to get going. Iv had my first supervisor meeting and have been advised to start reading and exploring my area but find myself doing the same literature searches over and over whilst procrstinating the rest of the time! Just wondering how people stayed disciplined in the first year and whether you found enough work to stick to a 9-5 work routine whilst at this stage?

Thanks :)

Hi all,

I have just started my Phd and coming straight for undergrad i am finding the lack of monitoring and control over my time a little strange. Just wondering how many hours other humanities based PhD students spent working per week or day in their first year? I am feeling guilty whenever i am not glued to my laptop at the minute! Everyone keeps telling me to relax but am finding it all a bit odd!

Thanks! :)

Good luck to all the other newbies! :)
Nice to know I'm not alone with the nervous bit!!

Anybody else starting at Loughborough by any chance?

Hi,

I'm a newbie too! got my first supervisor meeting today - very nervous but looking forward to getting stuck in with some work again!

Good luck to all the other newbies! :)