A Peek Into Stanford PhD Life with Frank
- Beyond Digital
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 22
Ever wondered what it’s really like to pack your bags, leave familiar streets behind, and dive headfirst into the academic whirlwind of Stanford University? Meet Frank, a PhD student in Computational and Mathematical Engineering (CME) at Stanford, who shares his journey from Thailand to the heart of Silicon Valley.
Spoiler alert: It’s not all late-night coding marathons and caffeine-fueled research sprints
✨ A Perfect Equation: Math + Sunshine + Opportunity
Q: What inspired you to pursue your PhD at Stanford, and how did you decide to move to the Bay Area?
What drew Frank to Stanford? A rare blend of theory and application. “CME is one of the few programs that perfectly blends rigorous mathematical theory with impactful real-world applications, including finance,” Frank shares. “That, along with the Bay Area’s nice weather, welcoming community, and endless opportunities, made the decision pretty easy.”
For anyone dreaming of academic challenges and exciting surroundings, this combination sounds hard to resist.
☀️ A Day in the Life: Brunch First, Balance Always
Q: Can you walk us through a typical day in your life as a Stanford PhD student, from morning routines to late-night study sessions?
Forget the stereotypical PhD life of constant stress and all-nighters. Frank keeps things simple and consistent. “Every day feels like a bit of a weekday and a bit of a weekend.”
The day typically starts with brunch, followed by classes, either attending as a student or assisting as a teaching assistant. Afterward, it’s off to the lab for research, followed by dinner and some downtime before bed.
And as for those late-night study sessions?
“I actually sleep quite a lot, around 9 to 10 hours a day.”
🚲 Culture Surprises: A City That’s Bigger Than It Looks
Q: What are some unique or surprising experiences you’ve had in the Bay Area, both on and off campus, that’s different from Thailand?
Among all the cultural surprises, one thing stood out immediately, just how spread out everything is. “I thought Silicon Valley would be like a tech park, with Apple, Google, and Meta all right next to each other.” The reality? Not quite.“Everything is super spread out. Even though Stanford itself is huge, you need a bike to get around campus.”
💬 Balancing Act: Start With Rest, Everything Else Follows
Q: How do you balance research, classes, and social life? Any tips for making friends and building a support network as an international student through LinkedIn?
Balancing research, classes, and social life can sound intimidating but Frank keeps it grounded.
“My number one priority? Rest well first.”
Once well-rested, everything else, from research to friendships, tends to fall into place naturally. Tasks take less time, energy flows better, and the day feels more manageable.
And while many turn to LinkedIn for networking, Frank takes a more relaxed approach. “I rarely use it to make new friends. I use it more to stay connected with people I’ve met before, and sometimes our paths cross again later.”
💡 Advice for Future Scholars & Global Explorers
Q: What advice would you give to fresh grads and MBA candidates who dream of studying or living in the Bay Area or overseas? How can they prepare themselves with LinkedIn or on other aspects to achieve their dream job?
For those dreaming of studying in the Bay Area, or anywhere overseas, one piece of advice stands out: start early.
“It takes time to prepare. Start as early as you can.”
When it comes to LinkedIn, the advice is clear and practical:
“Keep it concise but precise. Focus on what’s relevant, no need to be exhaustive or overly detailed, just make it specific and to the point.”
💭 Dreaming of Stanford?
Frank’s story is a refreshing reminder that studying abroad doesn’t have to mean sacrificing sleep or burning out. Sometimes, it’s as simple as finding the right program, hopping on a bike, and making time for brunch.
Whether you’re a fresh grad, an MBA hopeful, or a professional looking to pivot, maybe the Bay Area isn’t as far away as it seems.
Interviewer: Mild Annita L. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/annital/)
Interviewee: Frank Chartsiri Jirachotkulthorn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-frank/)
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