Hi everyone,

Happy New Year!

Started my PhD about a month ago, and finding it really hard to focus as don't have any deadlines hanging over me as yet. Any tricks for motivation etc.??

Thanks!

Thanks everyone! I think the best bet is to be prepared for the isolation and as you say, make sure I have interests/friends outside of my PhD.

My area of research is English Literature...

Hell! Good to hear.

Hi guys,

I'm due to start a PhD studentship in January, and I was wondering if anyone has any advice? I'm a bit nervous, and I've been reading through the various topics on here, and it's a bit depressing! There are a few of you who seem to love what you do, which is great! I absolutely love my subject, and I'm really excited but could you sum up what PhD life is really like?

Thanks!

Yes, good idea. That's a really great - thanks for your help.

Hi all,

I have been short-listed for an arts/business studentship. Prior to the interview, I need to prepare a one page draft proposal to give potential supervisors an idea of how I would develop one of the research topics. Could someone tell me if there are any key points I should remember when putting the proposal together? Also, as it's only one page long - I don't want to waffle, but likewise don't want to be too vague. Any suggestions?

Thanks everyone!

CC

I applied to do a studentship (deadline 7 September) and haven't heard back from them yet. Admittedly, it hasn't been very long! But my problem is that I'm leaving work to continue my studies, and I've just been offered a promotion! I need to know whether the supervisor has reached a decision, but don't want to seem pushy.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

I think it's probably one of the hardest decisions ever. I have applied to do my PhD and if I do get in, will I leave my f/t employment (in which I'm doing quite well)? but I have to ask myself on a day to day basis, am I happy? No. Therefore, don't do a PhD with the thought of getting a well paid job at the end of it, but do your PhD if you think you may go into f/t employment, live with the question 'what if'...at the end of the day, there are always going to be choices. Sometimes we make the right one, sometimes we don't. But every choice opens new doors and brings you closer to the right choice. Either way you can continue your studies at a later stage (like me) or find that you're very happy in f/t employment.

Very good advice. Thanks!
I'm pretty determined to make it work, but money is always a daunting subject!

Can anyone tell me if a PhD studentship really is affordable? My problem is that I have to make a monthly payment on a loan, and whether it's advisable to go into a PhD with debt on board? Are there any tricks/hints for cheap living whilst doing a PhD? I've looked at applying to be a university warden, which will hopefully reduce uni rental costs.

Thanks in advance!

I've been in a full time job for the last four years, and I can think of nothing better than going back into a uni environment, and researching my subject! From what I've read, I think your first reason for wanting to do a PhD should be the love of the subject...if you've got that, then surely you're moving in the right direction??