Well, University of Bolton... says it all!

Shame people don't have a sense of humour. Take a look at David Shrigley's drawings.

It might not be so bad. Tech guys are notoriously busy so very hard to get hold of. Mine is on permanent answermachine.

Voluntary work - great idea. I don't do any but have been thinking about learning about falconry. I think its fascinating.
Distractions - plenty. I've just bought hens. They're entertaining to watch and will pay their way (no eggs yet). Digging the garden is a great stress reliever and productive too.

Good luck. Get some perspective. I've finished my PhD and although corrections are still a tiresome part of my life, in the grand scheme of things, my research on some abstract area that no-one is particularly interested in is just a tiny drop in the ocean.

Sorry, not in your field, but how are you?

Yes, UEA is the most famous. http://www.uea.ac.uk/lit/Courses/Postgraduate/MA+in+Creative+Writing

Lara, I handed my thesis in on 30th October 2008. I had my viva in Feb. Waiting until now is unreasonable. We have a 12 week cut-off point for examiners to set a date after submission. You've waited 6 months - that's not normal by anyone's book. You must get some official response.

Unlike the others below, I got minor corrections and 6 months to do them in - and yes - the thesis does have to be rebound (pencil won't do). It really depends on your institution - read your regs carefully.

Help!

Examiners must read thesis and have viva date within 90 days.

I;m packing to go off to the Algarve tomorrow with my 12 year old - husband not coming.

RubyW - brutality of mock was as much to do with examiners and their personal orthodoxies as it was with questions. In the actual viva, the two examiners came from different positions so it made for an interesting (and occasionally conflicting) dialogue, between themselves, as well as for me.

Both were very tough, examiners very prepared and experienced. I prepared well, mainly due to the shock of the mock. I think it was the preparation that stood me in good
stead.

Now to the future...

Coastman asked for viva tips, funny stories...

My external examiner was starving and ate fruit (bananas, apples etc.) she'd brought with her from a tupperware throughout the 3 hour viva. She also bought her own teabags. She was idiosyncratic - and I hugely admired her for that.

She called 'a spade, a spade' and kissed me at the end and told me how much she'd enjoyed reading the thesis!

I passed my viva earlier this week - on the snowiest day!

It was exhilarating!

Dr. Aloha

8-)

Thanks to all posties for keeping me going.

What sort of Plan B could one possibly have if my viva is on a snow-bound day? It's an act of God!