Some research students can’t wait for the long summer break between university terms. It’s a chance to put teaching, training and other termtime commitments on the back burner and really concentrate on your research – with the odd conference and some sunshine and R&R thrown in.
But if the prospect of three months without the structure of term (or the buzz of campus life) fills you with dread, you are not alone. Read on for some suggestions for ways to build connection and community as a PhD student this summer.
1: Organise a DIY writing retreat with other early career researchers from your subject area – or beyond
I keep hearing lately just how much postgraduate researchers value the opportunity to write alongside their peers – for accountability, companionship, and the reminder that we all face similar writing challenges despite the diversity of our research areas. You can join in the wonderful Exeter PGR Study Space over the summer for regular online sessions – and why not host your own mini retreat, online or in real life? All you need is:
a relaxed space… there’s plenty on campus over the summer or venture further afield
a simple structure… with planned breaks so people know what to expect
willing writing buddies… find them through word of mouth, WhatsApp and Teams
Why not suggest a summery way to celebrate at the end of the day – a riverside walk, bring n’share picnic or an ice-cold pint? (Editor’s note: for those based in the UK you may need something less reliant on sun!)
A public engagement proejct produced by The Walk Productions and Good Chance in collaboration with the South African Handspring Puppet Company.
2: Take part in something which engages your future audience
University events may go quiet in August, but the rest of the world keeps going. As research students, it’s important to be thinking early on about our pathways to impact. Which groups of people – general public, industry professionals, policy makers – might be interested in your research when it is complete? Now ask yourself: what else are they interested in and what connected events are happening this summer? Go to a gallery talk, a policy briefing, a festival – anywhere that will give you the chance to mix with people who share your particular passion about making a difference in the world.
(If you want to find out more about academic impact, check out this great training resource for HASS PGRs by Exeter’s Sian Moody).
3: Rest and recharge
Even if you are someone who struggles with procrastination, it’s ironic that finding real rest takes an effort. Ask yourself what your body, mind and soul need to help recharge this summer. Whether or not you can afford a holiday, there are lots of ways to invigorate your summer days. Local organisations will be running fun activity campaigns for all abilities around the Euros and the Olympics. You could run, ride or roll part of the Exe Estuary trail if you are based near the Streatham or St Luke’s campuses, or hike the wonderful South West coastal path if you are near Penryn. If a good book helps you to unwind, check out this year’s Guardian picks for the best summer reads. Why not host a pop-up book group with a few friends to read and discuss something completely different to your usual research reading?
4: Give your PhD a summer tidy-up
In the rush of termtime, things can become very cluttered in our working lives. For some inspiration on how to restore calm to your research, why not read this post about the academic tidy-up from the excellent The Thesis Whisperer blog. Maybe it’s time to revisit your ‘personal knowledge management’ systems, tidy up your (virtual) desk… or go all out and Dewey-decimalise your library! These things can feel like procrastination when we are in very busy phases but done more slowly over the summer, they can really help us take a step back to see our work in a fresh light.
We hope you enjoy these all the other things you will do to feel connected this summer. We are grateful to every person who has contributed to this blog this year. We believe that hearing about each other’s experiences – triumphs and challenges – is one of the best ways to strengthen our research culture. There will be a few more posts in July and August 2024 – then watch this space to see if funding arrives to continue the story…
Ruth Moore is a second-year PhD Creative Writing Student, co-editor of this blog and Editor-in-Chief 2023-4 for Exclamat!on: An Interdisciplinary Journal. Her research examines the ways in which contemporary children’s authors are using time-playful fiction, particularly in relation to telling stories out of archival silence. The creative element of her PhD project is a ‘middle grade’ children’s novel which takes place on a troubled night at the National Maritime Museum in London. Her MA in Creative Writing was at Oxford Brookes University; she also holds an MA in Applied Theatre from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and has worked in theatre and in project management in higher education and the voluntary sector prior to commencing her PhD.