Academic Life Management: finding systems that stick

5 November 12:30 to 3 December 13:00

Still procrastinating on writing that paper by researching the perfect productivity system?

This five-session series cuts through academic overwhelm with practical systems that work for real researchers. We'll tackle the unique challenges of managing a multi-year project – from breaking down massive tasks into manageable chunks to building sustainable focus practices beyond caffeinated willpower.

 

You'll discover why traditional "work-life balance" fails for DPhil students, consider planning tools that help you see the big picture without spiralling, and develop backup systems for when everything falls apart. Whether you're drowning in competing priorities, struggling with vanishing motivation, or need strategies that acknowledge your research brain never switches off, these short, sharp sessions can help.

They’ll mix some explanation about why these things are so hard, combined with some suggestions for action and a little bit of accountability to help you try a little change each week. No meal-prep perfectionism or 5am morning routines required – just realistic strategies for actual humans juggling all the things.

By the end of this series, participants will have the tools to:

  • Identify personal focus patterns and apply concentration techniques tailored to deep academic work
  • Organise research tasks using visual planning systems, and implement structured scheduling approaches
  • Understand psychological factors behind procrastination and develop sustainable motivation strategies
  • Design flexible daily routines that integrate academic and personal life demands
  • Create accountability structures and backup plans for maintaining long-term progress during doctoral study

 

5 Nov, 12:30 – 13:00  BOOK HERE

Managing the madness: getting your DPhil (and life) under control

 

12 Nov, 12:30 – 13:00 BOOK HERE

Finding your focus: what works (and doesn't) for deep thinking

 

19 Nov, 12:30 – 13:00 BOOK HERE

When motivation dies: beyond caffeine and willpower

 

26 Nov, 12:30 – 13:00 BOOK HERE

Daily systems: because everything bleeds into everything

 

3 Dec, 12:30 – 13:00 BOOK HERE

Marathon mode: backup plans for when everything falls apart

 

Our booking process

When your application is received, you will be emailed a link and then have 48 hours to complete a pre-workshop form requesting additional information. If you do not meet this deadline, your application will be cancelled. 

See our full Terms and Conditions below

 

If you have specific circumstances which may affect your engagement with this event, or your meeting our Terms and Conditions, please continue with your booking and contact us by email to discuss how we can support you: researcherdevelopment@socsci.ox.ac.uk

 

 

Researcher Development Terms and Conditions

In booking any training workshops, you agree that: 

 

COMMITMENT: application is not an expression of interest; it is a firm commitment. You will be available for the full duration of the course session(s); if you are not, please do not make a booking. You will not accept any subsequent meeting invitations that may fall during the given workshop times. 

PRE-WORK / HOMEWORK: if applicable, you will complete any given pre-work and/or homework as described on the workshop web listing, as it constitutes part of the workshop  

CANCELLATION: should your circumstances change, and you are not able to attend the full session(s). you will cancel using the CoSy booking system (link in booking confirmation email) giving at least 72-hours' notice, so we can offer the place to someone on the waiting list. Cancellations by email will not be accepted. 

ARRIVAL: you will join, or arrive at, the workshop 5 minutes before the advertised start time, to ensure a prompt start. 

LATE POLICY: you understand that the online room will be locked / workshop door will be closed 10 minutes after the event start time and late-comers will not be admitted. This is to preserve the integrity of the course for those who are present.  

ENGAGEMENT: you will give the session your undivided attention and engagement. You will not be able to do other tasks in parallel. If online, you will ensure that your environment and internet connection allow you to participate verbally and with video cameras on. These are interactive workshops, and it is not appropriate to attend from a silent or shared workspace. 

ATTENDANCE RECORD: you understand the Register will be taken in the last half-hour of the course, and anyone not present in the room at that point will be marked as non -attending (see below) 

FEEDBACK: you will contribute feedback afterwards, to help us understand how well the session met its intended aims, and facilitate our continuous improvement 

CONSEQUENCES OF NON-ATTENDANCE: you understand that any non-attendance  
a) is visible to departments and supervisors/PIs, and  
b) may result in any future bookings you’ve made within the same term being cancelled, and the place(s) offered to the waiting list.