It can sometimes be easy when you are a PGR student to feel forgotten and invisible, when compared to the Undergraduate student population. There are a number of reasons for this - most obviously, there are usually far more Undergraduates than PGR students. The sheer size of the UG population can dwarf the PGR community, making you feel less noticed and cared for. Secondly, the nature of the way in which you are studying (conducting research autonomously) can leave you feeling less connected to the university than someone who is coming into class regularly.
One of the ways in which you can address feelings of invisibility is to connect with other PGR students, share experiences and create formal routes to have ongoing communication with the university. Many universities have student societies - joining one can help you to address feelings of invisibility. Click here to see a list of student-led societies. You can also use informal routes, such as conversations with your supervisor, to raise concerns and ensure that your needs are being considered and met.
The Doctoral College hosts several PGR events focused on belonging and creating connections between PGR students – including the PGR Experience Programme and the PGR Research and Community Seminar Programme; etc.
Source
Summarised from 'The Wellbeing Thesis' - An online resource for postgraduate research students to support your wellbeing, learning and research - https://thewellbeingthesis.org.uk/