I know this isn't ideal but could you set up a new email address and point all your contacts in that direction? Most email addresses can now be deleted and you should do this after you've set up a new email address and directed all your contacts to it.

It's something we should be able to talk about freely but the reality is we often cannot and there is a context to how we express our thoughts and feelings i.e. we can usually talk more openly with family and close friends than work colleagues. Having read your post I can see you are very hard on yourself and sensitive to how others may pereceive you. Please try to be kinder to yourself and if I could suggest one thing I think you should seek counselling at your university. I do think you would benefit from it. Try to remember, you earned your PhD place through hard work and you have a right to be there. Please seek that counselling I suggested and all the best for the future.

This is more common than you think. Take a short break, see if that helps, perhaps talk things through with someone but a PhD is rarely straightforward. Don't think you're alone because you're not.

That's absolutely terrible Bewildered. A poor show on their part...

I honestly don't think they would mind the email, as it shows your interest is genuine. However, they may not tell you the outcome via email but hopefully should let you know when you'll hear something.

Dear.....,

I recently applied for the post of ..... ..... (ref: ) and was invited to attend interview on ..... & ..... Could I kindly ask when the candidates will be notified as to the outcome?

Thank you.

Kind regards,

.......

I'd send a follow up email as it's been three weeks and it would only require a quick response from them. Good luck!

I put 'as previously mentioned' or such like.

The best course I did, the one I enjoyed the most and the one I learnt most from was my MSc which was by distance learning. However, the other posters raise very valid points and a PhD only contributes its part to your CV. It depends what you want really and what your end goals are.

Knowing what I know now, I would have committed my supervisors to regular supervision with feedback to be provided at supervision (I only got feedback at one supervision and even then it was minimal). My difficulties began and ended with my supervisors. Actually really nice people but as supervisors the least said...

Knowing what I know now, I would have committed my supervisors to regular supervision with feedback to be provided at supervision (I only got feedback at one supervision and even then it was minimal). My difficulties began and ended with my supervisors. Actually really nice people but as supervisors the least said...

I know, forgive my poor attempt at humour...

Good advice from the last poster. My only concern is you have just started and so have a long way to go but take a break, think things through, perhaps seek advice from the counslling service at your university and take it from there.

Never give up, plough on...

What do YOU want to do? What are YOUR hopes for the future? What interests YOU? Where do YOU see yourself in five years time? You need to do what will make you happy or at least what you think will make you happy. A PhD is a big undertaking and you would need to find your own reason for doing one, don't do one just because it has been suggested by someone else.