Firstly, I hope this is the right place to start this topic...

I would be going to overseas as a full time PhD student for 4 years.

My question is: any experience of getting married before Phd? Can the life of academic and relationship goes well?

Hope to get some experience sharing.

firstly, how old are you right now

If you are a gal, get married befor PhD.

Otherwise, after.

I am 29 guy...

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Added on July 6, 2011, 11:26 amJust wanted to know what is the experience if married while doing PhD full time overseas, while spouse is in home country...
Is the academic performance is better or would it affect academic performance? Or is it depends on personal?

This post has been edited by skyer: Jul 6 2011, 11:26 AM

Everything depends on the individual.

In general, long distance relationship is hard. If possible try to avoid. Maybe you can bring your wife with you?

i'm married in my 1st year of Ph.D study. but i'm staying in Malaysia with my wife so not a big deal.
for TS i strongly suggest you get married after you completed your study and return to Malaysia.
Long distance marriage is hard to maintain, you surely need a lot of money and time which you usually don't have since Ph.D require a lot of focus and time.

and it depends on person also.

+1, recommended solution

I am a married phd student in my third and hopefully final year of my studies. My wife is also doing her phd and we have a 5 year old son. I am 31, was former postgraduate students association executive, and love to sleep.

To answer the op question, it really depends on you and the context you are in. My colleagues who are married tend to struggle in balancing the demands of their studies, spouse, kids, and personal space. However it is that extra pressure that drives them forward.

On the other hand, those who are still single can afford to devote more time for their studies. It is not all rosy though because there is something about being married which makes you more focus in your work.

Having said that, i think it is a bad idea to get married and leave your spouse behind. Two of my friends are doing that, and i do not envy them a bit.

All the best for your phd, it is going to be ....an interesting experience.

Did you took Masters before PhD? Do you straight continue PhD after masters or you work 1st?

After i got my MSc, i did some teaching and research at a uni. That went on for about two years plus before i started my phd journey.