PhD Survival Skills Groups (Mental Health and Autism)

An opportunity for postgraduate research (PGR) students with a mental health or autism diagnosis, who are already registered with the Service, to meet together regularly in a supportive environment to discuss the issues that are important to them.

The groups are a safe, social space for PGR students to share their experiences, thoughts and advice on PhD life with the people who best understand what it's like - other PhD students.

The groups are not drop-in groups. They run continuously for group members to build up a social, friendship network and are facilitated by members of our Specialist Mentor Team.

Groups usually touch on a specific topic each week, as a conversation starter.  So far students have talked about PhD life hacks; their experiences of supervisors; imposter syndrome in PhD; preparing for annual reviews; motivation; attending conferences and networking when autistic; finding meaning in your PhD… the list goes on according to what students want to chat about.

The groups run every two weeks for one hour.

  • Mental Health PhD group: 3.30pm on Wednesdays, online on Teams
  • Autism PhD group:  1 pm on Thursdays, online on Teams

If you would like to know more about the Group and the details of the next meeting, contact