So you've officially enrolled as a PhD student. Formally at least, you have both a topic and a supervisor. Some of you have a well defined topic either because you always wanted to study it, or because you have won a scholarship to investigate a specific issue. Most of you, however, at this stage have only a vague idea of where you will focus your research. You may be exhilarated, apprehensive, or pulled in many directions. This is the time that you have to establish a working relationship with your supervisor, learn about your rights and responsibilities, and arrange all the practical bits and pieces. Depending on your department, you could be asked pretty early on to write a proposal or a literature review.

	Some writing tips.
	Finding, formulating and exploring your topic.
	Establishing a relationship with your supervisor.
	Clarifying expectations.
	Learning about your rights and obligations as a student.
	Finding out about departmental resources.
	Coping with the transition to study.
	Coping with your highs and lows.
	Writing a proposal.