When people imagine a PhD student, they might picture someone buried in books or working quietly in a lab. But the reality of PhD student life is much more complex—and more personal and unique—than any one stereotype.
In the UK, becoming a doctoral researcher means stepping into a unique academic space that balances autonomy with high expectations. In this space, the lines between student and professional often blur, and managing your own time, motivation, and mental health becomes as important as conducting rigorous research.
Each PhD journey is unique, shaped by research fields, funding, supervisors, personal commitments, and unexpected challenges. So, what is it really like to pursue a PhD in the UK today? And what should you expect?
Whether you’re considering a PhD, just starting out, or supporting someone on the journey, this blog gives an overview of what PhD student life in the UK really looks like, offering a realistic look at the responsibilities, lifestyle, expectations, and emotional landscape of being a doctoral researcher
Becoming a PhD Student: More Than Just Another Degree
Becoming a PhD student is less like going back to school and more like taking on a full-time research job. But it’s a job where the expectations are often vague, the goals constantly shifting, and the reward delayed by years.
What Do PhD Students Do?
A typical day in the life of a PhD student varies depending on discipline and stage of research. In the early months, you’ll likely be immersed in reading and refining your research question. As time goes on, the focus shifts to data collection, analysis, writing, and presenting findings.
At its core, a PhD is about making an original contribution to your academic field. But that simple phrase disguises the complexity of the work involved. You’ll be expected to:
- Conduct an extensive literature review
- Design and refine a research question
- Choose and apply suitable methodologies
- Collect and interpret original data
- Write a PhD thesis (typically 70,000–100,000 words)
- Defend your work in a viva examination
You’ll also likely be expected to attend research seminars, present at conferences, publish articles, and contribute to your academic community. In some cases (and if given the opportunity), especially in the sciences or humanities, PhD researchers may also assist in teaching undergraduates or marking coursework.
So if you’re wondering, what do PhD students actually do?—the answer is: quite a lot. The overall PhD journey is changing constantly and far from passive; it requires active planning, self-discipline, and persistence.
Time and Autonomy During a PhD
One of the major shifts PhD students experience is the transition from structured learning to independent work. PhDs are self-directed, which means there are no weekly lectures or regular assessments to anchor your time and you are expected to manage your own time. However, that doesn’t mean it’s laid-back.
How Many Hours Should a PhD Student Study?
Most universities advise treating it like a full-time job—so around 35 to 40 hours. In reality, some weeks will be much heavier, especially near submission deadlines or during fieldwork, while others may be lighter or involve long waits for feedback.
This kind of freedom can be empowering, but if you’re not good at organising your own work it can also feel daunting. With no fixed schedule, it’s easy to lose momentum or fall into cycles of overwork. That’s why structure—whether through self-imposed routines or regular supervisor check-ins—is essential.
Your PhD supervisor is there to guide you, but they’re often balancing multiple commitments and may not always be available when you need support. Staying proactive, by setting goals, and monitoring your own progress, can make a big difference in keeping your research moving forward.
Summers, and Time Off and Work-Life Balance as a PhD Student
Unlike undergraduate or taught master’s courses, there’s no official break in the PhD calendar.
But Do PhD Students Get Summers Off?
No, not really. In fact, the summer months can be among the most productive and intense for doctoral researchers. With fewer teaching duties and a quieter campus, students often use this time to push forward with writing, conduct fieldwork, or attend academic conferences.
Some funded programmes technically allow for annual leave, but it’s up to the student to schedule this around their research progress. Taking a real break—one where you mentally detach from your work—can be difficult, but it’s vital for long-term wellbeing.
Is PhD Life Very Stressful?
It’s a question many students ask before applying: Is PhD life very stressful? The honest answer is yes, it can be.
Many students experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and isolation during their doctoral studies. The reasons are manifold:
- The pressure to produce original, publishable work
- A sense of isolation or impostor syndrome
- Financial concerns, especially for self-funded students
- Ambiguous or distant supervisory relationships
- An unclear career path after graduation
These challenges are not signs of failure. In fact, studies suggest that mental health issues among PhD students are significantly higher than in the general population. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Many students find purpose and pride in their work. The key is building support systems—both academic and personal.
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Cost of Living: How Do PhD Students Afford to Live in the UK?
Money is often the hidden pressure in doctoral life. So how do PhD students afford to live in the UK? Most full-time PhD students are funded through:
- UKRI or university-based studentships
- Research council grants
- Departmental scholarships
- Industry collaborations (e.g., CASE studentships)
What’s the Average PhD Salary in the UK?
Technically, PhD students are not considered employees, so they don’t receive a “salary” as such. However, funded students receive a stipend, which functions similarly to a salary in that it supports living costs.
A standard UKRI stipend in 2025 sits at around £19,000–£20,000 tax-free, which is often enough to live modestly outside London. However, students in high-cost cities, international students, and those with dependants may face extra financial strain.
Self-funded students are especially vulnerable and may take on teaching, tutoring, or freelance work to make ends meet. While part-time work is allowed, it must be carefully balanced against research progress.
Are PhD Students Exempt from Council Tax?
Yes, PhD students are generally exempt from paying council tax, provided they are enrolled full-time. To benefit from this exemption, students may need to request a council tax exemption certificate from their university and provide it to the local council. If you live with non-students, your exemption may not cover the full household, so it’s worth checking your local authority’s specific rules.
Are PhD Stipends Taxed in the UK?
No, PhD stipends are not subject to income tax or National Insurance contributions in the UK. This is because they are classified as a tax-free grant intended to support research, not as a salary, as mentioned above. However, students undertaking paid teaching or other work alongside their PhD may need to declare and pay tax on that income separately.
Building a Support Network as a PhD: Supervisors, Peers, and Community
The image of the isolated PhD student working alone in a library has some truth to it, but it doesn’t have to define your experience. One of the most important factors in surviving and thriving during a PhD is your support network.
PhD Student-Supervisor Relationship
Your supervisor is central to your PhD journey. They guide your research, offer feedback, and help you navigate the complexities of academia. But not every student gets the same level of supervision. Some supervisors are hands-on; others are more distant. This is why communication is key: set expectations early and keep an open dialogue about your progress, challenges, and needs.
Peer Support
Being part of a cohort, even informally, can make a huge difference. You might be in the same department, on the same funding programme, or just share an office space—but these connections create a sense of solidarity. Many students find that their peers become their most valuable source of emotional support and practical advice.
Try to attend research seminars, departmental events, or interdisciplinary reading groups. These are not just academic add-ons—they help you build your network and avoid feeling intellectually isolated.
Beyond Academia: Family, Friends, and Online Communities
Family and friends outside academia can offer perspective and emotional balance. Online communities—such as #AcademicTwitter, The Thesis Whisperer, or Reddit’s r/PhD—also provide a space to vent, share tips, and connect with people facing similar challenges.
Remember: PhD life doesn’t have to be lonely. The more you invest in your relationships, the more resilient you’ll be when things get tough.
PhD Dropout Rate: How Often and Why Does It Happen?
A PhD is often described as a marathon, not a sprint, and like any long journey, some students decide (or need) to step off the path. In the UK, the PhD dropout rate sits close to 20%. That may sound high, but it reflects just how challenging doctoral research can be—not just intellectually, but emotionally and financially too.
So why do students leave before finishing? The most common reasons include:
- Poor supervisory support
- Financial hardship
- Burnout and mental health issues
- Changing personal circumstances
- Loss of interest in the topic
This may sound disheartening, but it highlights how important it is to choose the right programme, supervisor, and support network. Knowing when to ask for help—and knowing that it’s okay to struggle—can make all the difference.
What Makes a PhD Worthwhile?
Beyond the thesis, publications, or viva, a PhD teaches you how to manage complexity, work independently. The life of a PhD student may not always be glamorous, but it’s rich in intellectual growth and personal development, skills that can always be useful once you finish your PhD.
Long-term Career Prospects After a PhD
The most obvious path for many PhD students is academia—postdoctoral research, lectureships, or research fellowships. However, competition is intense, and permanent positions can be hard to secure. If academia is your goal, publishing during your PhD, gaining teaching experience, and networking within your discipline are essential steps.
That said, many PhD graduates forge successful careers outside universities. Employers in sectors such as policy, government, data science, tech, publishing, consultancy, and the creative industries often value the following skills developed during a doctorate:
- Independent project management
- Critical and analytical thinking
- Advanced writing and communication
- Specialist subject knowledge
- Problem-solving and adaptability
Keep in mind that your PhD doesn’t lock you into academia—it opens doors across a wide range of professions. The key is to recognise and communicate the value of your research skills in ways that resonate with non-academic audiences.
Is a PhD the Right Path for You?
If you are contemplating a PhD as a next step in your career, you’ve probably ask yourself if a PhD is really worth it. But only you can answer this question. Ask yourself:
Am I passionate enough about this topic to sustain years of independent research?
Am I prepared to handle ambiguity, criticism, and delayed gratification?
Do I have access to the support I’ll need—financial, academic, and emotional?
If the answer is yes, then a PhD can be one of the most transformative and enrexperiences of your life.
A Day in the Life of a PhD Student: Not Just a Thesis
When people ask, what does a PhD student have to do during the day? they often mean the academic work. But a PhD also involves reshaping your identity.
You learn to think critically, communicate complex ideas, manage your time, and deal with uncertainty. These skills aren’t just useful for academia—they’re applicable to any research, policy, or analytical role.
The life of a PhD student is intellectually rich but emotionally demanding. It’s a marathon of sustained curiosity, not a sprint to the finish. For those who complete it, the rewards aren’t just in the title “Dr”—they’re in the confidence, resilience, and depth of thinking the process instils.
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Frequently Asked Questions About PhD Student Life
1. Can PhD students take a break or holiday?
Yes—most UK PhD students are entitled to around 40 days / 8 weeks of holiday per year, including university closures and bank holidays. However, you’ll usually need to inform your supervisor and may need approval. Summer is not automatically “time off” unless you arrange it.
2. Can you work part-time during a PhD?
Yes, but it depends on your funding conditions. Most studentships allow part-time teaching or casual work, provided it doesn’t interfere with your research. International students on a visa must comply with UKVI work restrictions.
3. Can I change my research topic during my PhD?
Sometimes. Early in your PhD, it may be possible to shift focus or adjust your research questions, especially if it helps you refine your scope. Later changes may require formal approval or even re-registration, so always consult your supervisor first.
4. What support is available for mental health?
Most UK universities offer counselling, wellbeing services, and mental health support tailored to PhD students. Supervisors and personal tutors may also be able to direct you to help, but services vary between institutions. Don’t hesitate to ask—many students struggle at some point.
5. What happens if you don’t finish your PhD?
It depends on the situation. If you leave early with sufficient work completed, you may be awarded an MPhil or MRes. Universities often offer exit pathways, and many who don’t complete their PhD still go on to successful careers. If you’re struggling, talk to your supervisor or student services.
