17 Things Only PhD Students Would Understand

1. You feel like an imposter all the time

2. You worry that your students will outsmart you

3. Sometimes you read what you’ve written and find you’re in awe of yourself

4. You are addicted to studying

5. When your research is going well, you get so engrossed you practically forget to draw breath

6. You go through nocturnal periods

7. You dream about your research

8. You are more likely to quote papers written by people with memorable names

9. You know where all the cheapest coffee shops are

10. You know exactly where all electrical outlets are located in all the cheapest coffee shops

11. You know more than anyone in the world about one teeny tiny thing…

12. …But you’re the only person who cares about that teeny tiny thing

13. You bore even yourself sometimes

14. You get really excited if your research topic is even tangentially relevant in every day life

15. Your idea of fame is being quoted in New Scientist

16. You can’t wait to be called ‘Doctor’

17. You have no idea where your life is headed