For the beginners one small suggestion i would give is..... "Ask to Learn"......... talk with your seniors and other co-scholars.... just start with ice breaking and slowly move to your target about research..... ask their research experience.... try to go through their CVs and also see their list of publications, workshops and conferences attended and from that you can get some idea.... make new contacts and they will come in handy some time later...... develop a network..... try to join in social media groups..... stay updated and stay ahead...... also try to develop a routine and also learn some stress bursting techniques(music, mediation, motivational speeches, movies,travel.....).... above all develop a good rapport with your guide, committee members, co-scholars...... now nothing can be done secretly everything has to be brought to limelight... unless you talk you cannot get clarity and solutions......