Managing your relationships while writing your thesis

Writing a thesis is a new, big and time-consuming commitment for every HDR student. Remember that it is very important to realise that some of your life aspects might change in order to fit a thesis into it. There is no doubt that a PhD or Masters program is a major, very demanding project that requires time, focus and energy. However, keep in mind that it is only one aspect of your life, albeit an important one - it is not your whole life!

Put your study into its correct perspective so that you achieve a balance between consistent thesis work and interest for life outside your thesis for family and friends, vacations and special events. Care for your health and include leisure, exercise and other interests and diversions in your schedule.

Try to fit your thesis into your life and don't allow your thesis to become your life! Please find more information on how to manage your time, manage your information and reshape your life (PDF, 75KB) in order to achieve the prefect balance between your thesis and leisure activities.

Please note there are also a few books available to students that are dedicated to the problem of surviving a thesis:

1. “How to get a PhD: a handbook for students and their supervisors” by Estelle M. Phillips and Derek S. Pugh; Maidenhead, England; New York: Open University Press, 2005.

2. “Mastering Your Ph.D.: Survival and Success in the Doctoral Years and Beyond” by Patricia Gosling and Bart Noordam; Springer, 2006.

Both books are available via the Monash University library collection.

If you are doing your PhD, it might be worth looking at ‘I did a PhD and did NOT go mad’ and All-but-dissertation Survival Guide for a smile and reassurance.