This blog post was written by our student ambassador Pooja, a PhD student at the Estonian Business School.
I recently attended a PhD writing retreat at Pühajärve SPA, a peaceful place nestled in the snowy landscapes of Otepää, Estonia's winter capital. The quiet and beautiful surroundings made it an ideal setting for deep focus and academic writing.
The journey there set the tone for what was to be a very productive few days. I met other PhD students from various universities, some just a few months into their research and others nearing the end of their doctoral journey. The mix of experiences added richness to every conversation we had.
Our retreat began with a casual coffee session where we introduced ourselves and talked about our studies and the universities we attended. This helped break the ice and laid the foundation for the collaborative atmosphere that carried on throughout the retreat.
Following lunch, we attended a lecture by Mihkel Solvak, who shared insights on how to effectively balance the demands of a PhD program with personal life. His advice was not only timely but also resonated with many of us, as juggling these responsibilities is a common struggle.
Writing sessions formed the core of our retreat. At home, distractions often interrupt my workflow, but here, I found a quiet corner with an inspiring view that really helped me focus. This environment allowed me to make substantial progress on my PhD proposal, something I had been struggling to find time for amidst my daily responsibilities.
Dinner time was another opportunity to connect and learn from each other. We exchanged research ideas, discussed various challenges, and offered solutions based on our experiences. These conversations were incredibly valuable—they not only offered new perspectives but also motivated and inspired me to approach my work with renewed vigor.
Each night, I reflected on the day's learning and interactions. This retreat wasn’t just a pause from my regular schedule; it actively propelled my research forward and helped me build meaningful relationships with fellow PhD candidates.
The experience highlighted the importance of taking time away from everyday routines to focus deeply and connect with peers facing similar challenges.
Day Two at the PhD Retreat: Deep Dives and Helpful Insights
Day two at the Pühajärve SPA writing retreat started with an energizing breakfast, where I chatted with a few students about our progress from the previous day. It was encouraging to hear how others had tackled their writing challenges.
The morning session was led by Sten Hansson, whose workshop titled "How to write better (and not make a fool of yourself)" was both humorous and enlightening. Sten shared practical tips on clear writing, avoiding common pitfalls, and engaging our readers more effectively. His approach was not just about academic writing but making our work accessible and enjoyable to read.
After Sten’s talk, we had dived back into our writing. This time, I was more focused and had a clearer direction thanks to the tips I had just learned. The retreat provided personal consultations during the writing sessions, so I took the opportunity to have a one-on-one discussion with Sten. This personal consultation was invaluable. Sten provided a fresh perspective on my work, highlighting areas of strength and offering advice on how to address some of the more complex parts of my research. His expert feedback helped me plan my progress and set realistic goals for my PhD journey.
Lunch was another great moment to unwind and discuss our morning learnings with peers. Conversations ranged from academic topics to more personal stories about our lives outside of university. It's amazing how sharing a meal can break down barriers and build friendships.
The afternoon session was intense. I found a quiet spot by a window overlooking the lake, which was still and mirrored the grey winter sky. The calm view helped me stay focused and translate my morning's feedback into my writing. I worked through the challenges in my research, feeling more confident as I pieced together sections that had previously stumped me.
Dinner was lively, filled with animated discussions about our day's work. I shared my progress and received some insightful suggestions from a fellow student who had dealt with similar research questions. We talked about potential collaboration opportunities and exchanged contact information.
The evening ended with some free time, which many of us used to relax in the sauna and reflect on the day's achievements. It was a perfect way to recharge before the final day of the retreat.
Day two was not just productive; it was transformative. It reminded me of the power of community and the importance of stepping back from our usual routines to gain new perspectives and insights. This retreat is proving to be an invaluable part of my PhD journey.
Reflecting on the past two days at the PhD writing retreat at Pühajärve SPA, I can wholeheartedly say that it has been a profoundly enriching experience. From the structured discussions to the personal writing time, each element of the retreat was designed to foster productivity, insight, and camaraderie among us, the attendees.
The focused environment away from the usual distractions allowed me to make substantial progress on my thesis. The expert-led sessions provided valuable strategies not just for writing but also for managing the PhD journey more effectively. The personal consultation with Sten Hansson was particularly transformative, offering me expert advice tailored to my specific challenges and helping me envision a clear path forward.
Beyond the academic benefits, the retreat was a reminder of the importance of community. Engaging with fellow PhD students from various disciplines provided fresh perspectives and sparked potential collaborations that could extend beyond the retreat.
For any PhD student wondering whether to participate in a writing retreat, I urge you to take the opportunity. It’s more than just a chance to write; it’s a way to connect, learn, and grow in ways that traditional academic settings may not always allow. The personal and professional gains from these few days have been invaluable, and I return to my daily routine not just with a clearer vision for my thesis but also with new friends and colleagues who understand and share the PhD journey.
Take this step, if you can. It might just be the boost you need to tackle your research with renewed vigor and a broader support network.
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