Before You Begin

They will tell you that PhD is about passion, about interest, about zeal, and about self-motivation. But if you're me, PhD is first about adjustment, and then anything else. A new place. New people. New culture.

First, it is about finding a home in a country you have never visited before. You wonder if you've really taken "the right place" or not... Was it better to stay off-campus or be on-campus?

Next, food. If you're one of those who don't care what they eat as long as they're not hungry, the beginnings are smooth. But well, if you're a foodie with a special liking for delicacies and spicy food, that is if you're me, food is your first test. You will see things that you've never seen before, in unknown colours, and you'd be asked to eat! Add to it the fact that you're a vegetarian in a land where even veggie burgers come with a slice of beef capped with a tomato piece... God save you! If you've found yourself a home and have adjusted to food, then you're allowed to start thinking about furnishing your place, getting to know the right stores etc...

Then comes the beginning of academic process. After numerous orientations about the varios co-curricular activities which you're never going to get time to attend, there will be a gathering in your department (hopefully!) where you are supposed to choose courses (and perhaps research). Each one has their own experiences. But if you're me, the chances are that the department will not allow you to take courses from 'other departments' (even if they match your research interests). Don't try to tell them that you've studied the same 'Thermydynamics' twice in your undergraduate curriculum, from the same book they're going to use for their graduate course. "This is only your first semester. You must take the fundamental courses being offered. Even doing a course again won't hurt. Will only deepen your understanding." Huh!

This is just a trailor... PhD is yet to begin!!!