We’re looking forward to welcoming new researchers to Sussex with some exciting Doctoral School induction events over the next fortnight!
Booking is essential as we have limited capacity – see the website for new doctoral researchers to register. If there is a delay to registration and you aren’t able to log in to Sussex Direct, contact researcher-development@sussex.ac.uk and we will add you manually. Returning students who are coming to campus for the first time are also welcome to join.
The university is open and we expect to run most of these sessions in person, but we are repeating several events online for those who can’t join us on campus. You can also watch last year’s virtual welcome events on our new researchers website, which is packed with everything you need to know to start your PhD journey.
Welcome to the Doctoral School
Wednesday 22 September, 11.00-14.00
Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA)
Our main welcome event will be split into two sessions (time slots will be allocated on arrival). Hear talks from some of the key staff who support PhDs at Sussex, including a welcome from Prof Jeremy Niven, our new Doctoral School Dean. Then grab some lunch, chat to other researchers and browse a selection of stalls from teams including The Keep, English Language for Academic Study, PhD Creative Outlets, The Brilliant Club and SussexSport.
PhD Essentials: Starting Your Doctorate Panels
Thursday 23 September, 10.15-11.45
Arts & Humanities – Jubilee 115
Sciences – Jubilee 155
Social Sciences – Jubilee 118
Make a successful start to your doctorate at this session developed to prepare you for the journey ahead. Hear from current doctoral researchers and academics in your discipline, and discuss issues such as first-year milestones, working with your supervisor, training and development, and dealing with challenges. If you have any questions or concerns about your PhD this is the place to come! Refreshments provided.
PhD Essentials: International Researchers Lunch
Tuesday 28 September, 11.00 – 12.00
The Quiet Room, Meeting House
Whether you’re new to the UK or continuing your studies, this informal event is a chance to meet other international PhD researchers and get advice from international student advisors, over lunch in one of the most iconic buildings on campus.
PhD Essentials: Introduction to the Library
On campus: Tuesday 28 September, 14.00–15.00, Library Open Learning Space
Online: Thursday 30 September, 10.00 – 11.00
One of the first things to do when you start your PhD is get to know your friendly local librarian! Find out about the collections and discovery tools you can access at Sussex, the services available from the Research Support team, and the dedicated Hive study space for researchers.
Welcome to the Doctoral School Online Induction
Wednesday 29 September, 10.30 – 12.00
For those of you who can’t join us on campus, this virtual session combines the welcome talks with a mixed-discipline Starting Your Doctorate panel to help start you on your PhD journey. Hear from key support services, chat with other new researchers and put your questions to a panel of current PGRs and academics.
Hive Happy Hour
Thursday 30 September, from 16.00
Location tbc
Meet the Hive Research Scholars and join fellow doctoral researchers, old and new, to kick off the new academic year in style. The Scholars will have a range of drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), snacks and party favours, and look forward to meeting you!
Covid guidance
Various Covid measures will be in place across the university, and we expect attendees to be considerate of other researchers who may not be comfortable with close social contact. Unless you are exempt you are expected to wear a face mask at these sessions, in line with university guidelines for crowded areas and teaching spaces. See the university’s Covid advice webpages for the latest information on campus safety measures and how coronavirus could impact your PhD.
Doctoral Connections 