Charlotte Harris

What made you choose the University of Birmingham? 

I chose Birmingham to do my PhD because after working here for almost a year as a research lab technician, I had seen first hand the PhD/research community here. I got to experience what it was like to be within a PhD group and witness the work ethic and support here before actually committing to a PhD, so that really helped me decide that Birmingham was right for me. The University has outstanding researchers, facilities and support available and it was clear that if I did a PhD here I would be supported and thrive. Plus, I had lived away for my undergraduate degree and had moved home to do my Masters and then to work, so it was important to me that I could do my PhD while living at home and being able to commute. Birmingham has amazing transport links and with the University station it was perfect for me.

Why did you choose to study your course? 

I choose to do my PhD in Chemistry because the project itself truly interested me. I was deciding between two offers for a PhD here, my final decision was based on the combination of my interest in the project and the actual supervisor for the project. Having a great supervisor for something as challenging as a PhD was extremely important to me. UoB has so many great researchers and there are many different groups and supervisors who have different qualities that may suit your specific needs. I was so lucky to receive an offer for a great project but also to work for a great supervisor!

The project itself aligns with my previous academic experience of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Delivery and formulation work. It also aligns well with my future goals of working within the pharmaceutical industry with a specific interest in targeted therapeutics and diagnostics. PhD research programmes are very different to the taught PG courses in the sense that your project and research will be very niche and individual to you so picking the right project and truly being interested in it before applying is so important as you will be doing it independently.

What is your student experience like?

As a PhD student it can sometimes take time to adjust to the student life as although we are still students compared to other courses we are nothing like the traditional student at all. In my course we do not have lectures or seminars it is completely research based. It works more like a 9-5 job in comparison to taught courses. However, the community here at Birmingham have made it so easy to adapt. I have been given the chance to have that 9-5 work life but with the flexibility of a traditional student in the sense that I plan my own days and time and I am independently working. This has meant that I am still able to continue hobbies such as the gym and also maintain a good social life while studying. There are also extra part time opportunities I take part in such as the content creator role and as a lab demonstrator. This has helped me make some extra money but also meet people outside of my cohort and learn different skills that I wouldn't necessarily gain from my course.

In terms of the social aspect of my student life, I have met so many great friends here and the community is so welcoming. There are always events happening on campus and there are so many opportunities to meet people and connect. Some of my favourite moments so far have been with friends grabbing food or a coffee on campus! Another favourite memory of mine was the ChemSoc ball that happens every year, this is a great way to blow off steam and come together with a wider chemistry community to have fun!

What's your favourite thing about Birmingham so far?

My favourite thing about Birmingham so far is the campus and its location! There are so many beautiful spots on campus to relax or study, it's great for someone like me who likes to take regular walk breaks or likes to switch up my study space from time to time. Plus, it is so close to the city centre its so easy to hop on a train to town and go shopping, grab some food and hang out after a long day of work.

What support did you receive for your postgraduate studies? 

In terms of financial support my PhD is a fully funded PhD so all my studies and research is funded and I am paid a standard UK stipend as a "wage". I also do work within the University such as being a content creator for the Postgraduate Marketing team and a laboratory demonstrator for Chemistry, this helps to give me a bit of extra financial support.

What advice would you give to current or prospective students to help them make the most of their time at Birmingham?

I would say to take on as many opportunities as you can, don't overwhelm yourself but if you have the chance to get involved then do it! You will meet so many great people and you will gain so many valuable experiences with the opportunities here. I would also say that specifically with a PhD it can be easy to get imposter syndrome and burnout easily, my advice would be to remember that everyone around you is in the same boat and at the end of the day when it comes to your individual project, you are the expert. I would also say to make sure you plan ahead and remember to plan your breaks as well as your work. Time off and having a life outside your studies is so important and will help you avoid burnout and ultimately produce better work in the log run.