Excitement, wonder, reading, reading, reading, writing, writing, writing, a feeling of inadequate academic experience, breaking new ground, teaching, teaching, teaching, gratitude for being able to immerse yourself in an exciting topic for three years, establishing new professional and social networks, arranging stays abroad, and much more. Starting as a PhD student is exciting and can seem overwhelming.
This page guides you on how to navigate your new work environment, establishing good relationships, and managing the necessary administrative procedures.
Getting started – step by step
- Align expectations with your supervisor: Have an open dialogue about goals, the project’s independence, and your collaboration. Read more about aligning expectations here.
- Plan supervision: Agree on meeting frequency and role distribution, especially if multiple supervisors are involved.
- Engage with the research group: Participate in academic and social activities for both well-being and networking.
- Presence and working hours: Align expectations about flexibility and work routines.
- Complete form: Fill out the form for Danmarks Statistik/Statistics Denmark (attached to your enrolment letter).
- Guidance for international PhD students: Familiarize yourself with the International Staff Office website about moving to and living in Denmark.
- Get started with the PhD plan.
Your PhD plan
Your PhD plan, which must be approved within three months, ensures structure in your project and forms the basis for evaluation. It can be adjusted along the way and should include research goals, courses, stays abroad, etc.
Use the PhD school’s form (attached to your enrollment letter) and read more on the PhD school’s website about the formal requirements for your PhD plan.
Remember that the PhD plan must be signed by your main supervisor, you, and the chair of the department’s PhD study committee before it is sent to the PhD school no later than three months after your start.
Practical tips
- Writing: Start learning scientific writing early. SDU offers courses in Academic Writing.
- Project Management: Plan carefully between research, teaching, courses, and networking. SDU has courses in project management for PhD students.
Use your supervisor, buddy, and PhD administrator as sparring partners to get a good and structured start.