Yuchen Gu is a first year PhD student at the Net Zero Maritime Energy Solutions (N0MES) Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) at University of Liverpool.
Hello! I am a first-year PhD student at the N0MES CDT, which brings together researchers working on innovative maritime technology. Being part of a CDT means I’m in a cohort with other PhD students tackling related topics. We follow a structured training programme, share office space, and regularly meet as a group. It’s a supportive environment and a great way to build connections from the start.
Here’s what a fairly typical day looks like for me.
Morning
My mornings usually start anywhere between 9:00 -10:30, depending on how much sleep I got the night before and whether I have any morning meetings. Since I live quite close to campus, it takes around 10 to 15 minutes to get to the N0MES office in Brodie Tower. Sometimes, I grab a coffee from Union Brew on the way to start my day.
One of the benefits of being a PhD researcher is flexibility. There’s no set time you must arrive or leave. However, it’s good to keep a schedule to help maintain balance. Once I arrive at my desk, I always start by checking and replying to emails (though sometimes that’s the first thing I do when I wake up—I can’t say it’s a good habit).
I usually spend the morning on lighter tasks that require less concentration and allow me to multitask, like setting up a to-do list, organising data, or managing my reading list. Sometimes, I take notes during an online training session. On days when I need a quiet space for meetings, I work from home. The schedule remains similar, except I make myself a cup of hot tea instead of coffee.
Afternoon
Lunchtime is very flexible too. Before starting my PhD, I worked in a job where lunch was typically between 12:00 and 2:00pm. Now, I usually eat around 2:00pm – 3:00 pm. I either cook at home or grab food from nearby cafés. After lunch, I like to take a walk around campus to take a break from the screen and get some fresh air.
The afternoon is usually my most productive time. I block out a few hours for focused work—reading, coding, or writing. Right now, for example, I’m writing this blog post about a day in the life of a PhD student. If I’ve had a supervisory meeting in the morning, I’ll spend this time following up and setting progress goals.
Evening
I’m the kind of person who’s more productive at night—a self-proclaimed ‘night owl’. I usually leave the office around 6:00pm or later. If I’m still motivated after 6:30pm, I’ll continue working in the Sydney Jones Library or the Harold Cohen Library. Both have a great study atmosphere and excellent facilities.
On days when I’ve been productive in the morning or need downtime, I head home early to relax. I love documentaries and crime series, so they often fill my evenings. Meanwhile, I prepare dinner, depending on my mood. I’m also currently reading The Paris Apartment, a mystery novel.
Final Thoughts
While every day is a bit different, this general structure helps me stay focused as a first-year PhD student. Maintaining a work-life balance is key to a successful PhD!
