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As a long-distance student, I struggle with feeling isolated, and especially wondering if I am moving along as I should. Simple tasks, like navigating new software seems daunting and sometimes paralyzing. It has helped to chat with others who are enrolled. I did join Yammer, but so far, that hasn't yielded a sense of camaraderie.

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I started my PhD studies at MDX through distance learning in October 2017. I must admit that, so far, I have had a good supervisory team. My DoS always respond to my queries. He gives me constructive feedback and support, with is of much appreciation.
I have a few colleagues who are doing their PhD studies in our country and whenever we have time, we talk about updates. Those who have been doing their research for more than 2 years are really helpful and guide me. Whenever, I have a doubt, I pop in their office...as I talk to them...things get clearer.

In terms of connecting with other MDX students, i enjoyed the webinar sessions that we had in November. I have, recently, given my information to be put on the website. I am looking forward to connect with other students through this platform.
I think a chat forum or a blog would have been really great!
I am on the Facebook page for research students but I believe there is not much interaction there. We do get news but it would have been better to see what each one is doing. For e.g, each week the RDA can pick up one student (with their consent of course) at random, ask that student to write a few sentences on what's happening in their research and post it there. Then, other students can comment on that or even give ideas.

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Working alone can isolate the students from the education environment, and it could have a negative impact on students as there is no regulation or rules could manage their responsibilities.  To avoid this issue, I try to educate myself by visiting e-Library or searching in the website about topics related to my research

The Webinar is beneficial for international students who have no time to attend the colleges, but there is a need to publish all sessions after each class

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I'm getting near the end of my PhD experience and I have to admit at times it has been a little lonely. What with holed up in a room, obsessively searching for literature or wondering what the hell a research paradigm is. Pragmatism??? But I have done many things to try and counteract the isolation that can come with PhD. Firstly, I tried to get involved with as many things on campus as I could. So this would be attending workshops, getting involved with the student conference, putting my name forward for teaching. Absolutely anything that got me speaking to people and especially people I didnt know. This not only helped with isolation but also helped me learn loads of other random things along the way. Outside of work I'd always try and do loads of things, so join running groups etc. And making time to see friends (especially those outside of the academic world!). Basically I would seek as much random inputs to keep things interesting. Oh, and also volunteering, I did this for various charities and social enterprises and was a great way to meet people and learn loads of cool stuff. Even better if you find somewhere to volunteer that is related to your research. But yeah, just keep things interesting and different!

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I try to make myself feel as engaged as possible with the MDX research community, and the wider UK research community, although I mostly study at a distance.
Regarding MDX, I do this by closely following all the on-campus and online events, attending when possible, interacting with those involved and exchanging comments and suggestions. (I greatly appreciate these webinars!)
Whenever I can come to the Campus, I try to spend as much time as possible;

-          by attending any relevant conferences, seminars, workshops, etc. for which I plan in advance,

-          by studying at the Sheppard Library,

-          and by enjoying coffee and snacks in the Quad.

Email or other online message exchanges with one or two cohort-mates, though not very frequent, and interactions with a few friends whom I met during the MDX RSSCs (Research Student Summer Conference) also help. Last but not least, keeping a good level of interaction with my academic advisor is also helpful.

Regarding the wider research and/or professional community, I closely follow the higher education and other news agenda in the UK through social media and some specific agency websites such as THE (Times Higher Education), UKCGE (UK Council for Graduate Education), QAA, The Student Room, The Guardian, BBC, CMI (Chartered Management Institute), etc. I also follow and try to attend external conferences when possible. I have got a British Library membership and reader pass, so being able to go there for research and study purposes gives me a further sense of belonging and being engaged.

Actually, I can say that I am almost setting up a second life for myself, in which I am a doctoral research student in the UK, which I live mostly virtually but support with physical presence to the extent possible.

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by putting myself out there - join a class and not be worried about walking in alone.  Before you know it you have friends!

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by putting myself out there - join a class and not be worried about walking in alone.  Before you know it you have friends!

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ensuring that i schedule in regular dates with friends and family. knowing that i can talk to my supervisors anytime regarding issues etc with my work. im also known amongst my friends and family to bore them to death talking about what im currently working on / reading / teaching about etc, and fortunately, they all find it fascinating so will engage in my conversations. 

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ensuring that i schedule in regular dates with friends and family. knowing that i can talk to my supervisors anytime regarding issues etc with my work. im also known amongst my friends and family to bore them to death talking about what im currently working on / reading / teaching about etc, and fortunately, they all find it fascinating so will engage in my conversations. 

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By initially recognising that I am experiencing it, reflecting on whether or not I want the isolation at that point, whether it's a steady state or coming and going, and then figuring what the options are to make a change.

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By initially recognising that I am experiencing it, reflecting on whether or not I want the isolation at that point, whether it's a steady state or coming and going, and then figuring what the options are to make a change.

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Attending workshops helps connect me with peers.