What’s the hardest part of undertaking a PhD? Russian-born student Michael explains what he’s found most challenging – and also the highlights of his educational journey so far.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I’m from a town in Siberia with around 200,000 people. I’ve studied in different cities across Russia including Tomsk (in Siberia also) and in St Petersburg. I have also lived in Turkey and Armenia.
I miss the Siberian snow! I miss that sound underfoot when you are stepping on it. I did find one piece of nature here in London that reminds me of the outskirts of my hometown, where it’s also near a river, there’s a field nearby.
I’m studying data analysis in social science at London Met as it’s essential today to understand qualitative and quantitative methodologies for research.
What made you choose London Met in particular?
I chose London Met because I had a joint project with my current advisor in 2022 – I was asked if I’d like to consider this PhD opportunity. It sounded like a good opportunity, so I applied with all my documents and also passed the famous IELTS exam. I was finally able to feel like I was not only living in a history book, but also in an English textbook. I had studied English since my childhood, and I also learnt through watching films with subtitles and through video games. When I was at Tomsk University, I also did some volunteering with foreign students, so my English improved there too.
I understand you have a scholarship to study here?
Yes – I received the VC Scholarship through London Met. We waited for a decision over the summer which was hard – week after week, still waiting, and then I had an interview, they checked my documents and I was awarded the scholarship – very happy news. I received great support from the University and I like the great atmosphere here – nice people, nice professors all around, even if I don’t have too much chance to socialise because PhD student life is quite different to undergraduate life. They’re always ready to support you if you ask. Svetlana Stephenson is my research supervisor and she’s been helpful.
Are you working whilst studying?
Finding a job is always an adventure with tough tests, and the economic situation around the world makes it difficult. So I’ve done some Russian translation work transcribing interviews from speech to text, and I try to participate in different research projects. But right now I’m focusing on my data research.
What’s the most challenging part of your course?
The hardest part of being a research student is the work itself – especially when you have to start the writing! I can collect data for my research easily – I wrote a programme that collects and combines datasets from different sources, but it can be hard to put yourself behind a table and start to write theoretical frameworks and describe the data you are working with.
What drives you?
There are several motivating factors for me – including the topic itself, which I find very interesting. At some point, what I’m studying will be history, so I feel that I’m touching on something valuable for the future.
I am inspired by the opportunities to attend various conferences and workshops in the UK and abroad, where I can meet like-minded people and engage in interesting projects in the future.
I also like living here – London’s beauty, the different places here but they’re all still part of London. I like the travel opportunities because continental Europe is near, and it’s easy to get inspiration outside London too.
The other thing that drives me is that the hope that some things will change and be better soon. My immigration status motivates me a lot too!
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud that I’m here because many people in Russia are residing where they were born and live there almost all their lives, and when you are travelling, you have very different experiences which inspire you. So I’m proud that I have travelled a lot and see how people live in different circumstances, different countries. You develop critical thinking skills that way, it helps you to analyse things for yourself.
How have you found the University?
I really like London Met because they are constantly thinking about diversity. Even in the food and drinks – they think about people who have allergies, people who have vegetarian, vegan or Halal preferences, so you can choose from many options – it was not like this in Russia in previous times though I think it’s better now.
The people at the University are always ready to help you, whether they are teachers, scientific staff or support staff – whether you're in the gym or the library or with fellow students. Because a university is, first and foremost, its people!
How is PhD research different to your other study experiences?
It seems to me that PhD students are living different lives to bachelor’s and master’s students who are getting more of the taste and smell of freedom that you were given after school. As a PhD student it’s a different kind of freedom, you have the freedom to do your research when you want (and you can attend some lectures but it’s not necessary) and you’re working part-time too. But you must organise yourself and motivate yourself. Once I have done more of my research I hope I will join some of the University’s research centres so I can network and maybe contribute.
What do you like to do outside your studies?
I like to explore London and love to travel generally. I'd also like to cook better food! I like to ride a bicycle. I also enjoyed swimming and I really miss that. And computer games too.
What will you do when you finish?
It’s hard to predict how life will be in four years, but I think a PhD is always respected and useful. It says that you are motivated and you can overcome many difficult circumstances.
Any tips for research students?
Here you will receive great support and find nice people around to network with. But many things are up to you – how to organise yourself – it’s your research and your life. So you might have to say to yourself: ‘sit at the table and write, write, write!’ Your knowledge will begin to grow like the grains of the wheat plant – but you need to do the threshing to separate the wheat from the chaff to see what’s valuable in your research. Then maybe your knowledge will be valuable to others in the future.
"There are several motivating factors for me – including the topic itself, which I find very interesting. At some point, what I’m studying will be history, so I feel that I’m touching on something valuable for the future."