I realise this probably sounds really trivial to most of you, what with peer reviews etc to worry about. But I'm so nervous about my new supervisor, and wanted to reach out to you fellow PhD studes. I started with the new one, after a less than great year (part time) with the first, a couple of months ago. He's very on the ball, and at the very top of his field, which I am very glad about, in fact, it's wonderful. But I just feel as though I'm always making stupid mistakes even though I check things through - like in an email where I put the wrong date for something which caused him a bit of confusion. I just feel like I don't have it together and make daft mistakes with him that I wouldn't with other people. And I'm getting a bit worried that he's starting to think I'm a bit daft. Do other people feel this way? is it just because this is a new set up for me? I thanks for listening.

Hi Sari - You could try asking them if there is anything they can see that is positive in your work, after all, you do need to know about that too. Constructive criticism should not be entirely negative unless the work is entirely negative,, that would give students an inbalanced view of their work. I think PhD supervisors forget this sometimes, and just behave as if they are trying to recreate the worst viva ever for the duration of the PhD - with the excuse that they are getting you ready for that experience, of course.

As for your grammar, yes, Bug is right about your post, but only you and your supervisors know if poor grammar is an issue in your work. I know my grammar goes right down the swanny when I'm upset and writing personal messages (which is what we are all doing here - we're not writing articles, but sending distress calls).

you could try asking them, by phone or email. I have no idea, but it does say of the graduate school, so does this mean the title only applies to postgrad study??? hmmmm. I'd ask them if I were you.

This is something my supervisor brought up recently. I've been told to use 'I' because it is grammatically incorrect to say this thesis will explore, or this chapter will analyse when theses and chapters donot have lives of their own! I think he's right, and it is a relief for me to stop thinking of ways of NOT saying 'I' all the time. I've never been comfortable with third person presentation, it's always felt like an archaic, and pretty useless, convention. After all these are my findings, and my research processes, so why not just say so?

Well! the sky in Liverpool has been beautifully clear all day today, maybe the capital of Manc has been the same. Absolutley cracking the flags.

I'm impressed with your progress Sleepyhead! Blimey! I hope we can return to supporting eachother now.

Oh! I mean book and travel with transpennine express - you have to do it online to get the 50% off.

Hi Tortellini! Yeah, I'd go with what everyone else here has said.

1.If going by train book two singles 3 months, (no more, maybe a bit less!), in advance.

2. Get a student/young person's rail card - this gives you 1/3 off all rail fares, even the discounted ones.

And I add:

3. If you get a rail card, try to travel with transpennine express. They give a 50% discount on all fares for students and young people.

4. Travelling to Newcastle from London by coach would, in my opinion, be a hard slog. You may find yourself needing an extra night's kip in Newcastle afterwards.

Good luck.;-)

Oh Gooooohhhhhhhhhhd I hate these people who do this!!! and it's not just with PhDs. I once got funding to make a film, and my then flatmate gave a running critique of my every move.

Tell him - YOU'VE ALREADY GOT A SUPERVISOR AND YOU DON'T NEED A MUM AND DAD BECAUSE YOU'RE A GROWN UP NOW!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sure this has something to do with jealousy - if he likes his job THAT much why is he so interested in yours???

Hi Siwee, this sort of thing happens so often!!!!! blooming DISGRACEFUL. I think FE is even worse than HE for this sort of thing at he moment. 

Do you have a manager you can look to for support over this?

If you aren't getting support from your manager, then I'd take it up with HR directly. HR won't be giving you a reference - so you can give them some welly and just keep at it. You could also go to your union. Also, if your own manager has any back bone, they'll respect you more if you stand up for this.

Was the contract lost by them? or in the post? They can sort that out as quickly as it takes you to get down there and sign another copy! so you could go and stand in the office while they sort that out.

If proof is an issue I'd use emails - you must have corresponded with various people at the college over your teaching. I wouldn't involve the students just yet.

I wish you luck with this - freelance teaching really is at the pig's ear's end of pay.

WELL DONE DR. RUBYW!!!!!!!!!! It IS great to hear your good news and good experience. (up)8-)(up). Happy days RubyXX

Hey Bonzo. At the moment it's Louder than bombs by The Smiths. Because I'm rrreeeeeeeaallly happy. Weirdly enough, I listen to the Smiths when I'm in the best mood. I think I may be revelling in being able to take it. Yes! - even the smiths cannot get me down now!

Oh!!! Louie! big huggs (((((((:-))))))) I have felt like this so often. A man as sweet and sensitive as you will surely find someone who cares. I too think the object of your affections is doing you a favour - there is nothing worse than hanging on and hoping.

Hi Farmershoe,

I'm a scouser who moved back, after living in a few different places, about five years ago - at age 35. Liverpool is quite an open place - we really are a friendly lot. However, just like any other city, it does take a while to make genuine friends. There are opportunities for social branching  - such as late at the Tate -which happens once a month and is great. There are also various writers', philosophy and cultural groups you can get involved with. I find the city is big enough to be interesting, but small enough to feel I belong (but I have a head start on that anyway!). The architecture and art galleries are world class - The Walker Art gallery is about the best I've ever been to, including the Louvre and National Gallery (too big in comparison) and the Uffizzi (I much prefer the Walker's original 19th century decor and layout - it has something in common with the Pitt Rivers museum on that score). Also, the Gormleys, or 'Another Place' at Crosby beach is at the same time stunning, mesmerizing, and as comforting as a trusted old friend.

Having also been a PhD student at Liverpool Uni, I have to say, I found the social side of things there almost none existent. I was at the doomed School of Politics and Communications very recently so if you want to PM me about that, then please do so.

Hi all, really hope you can help with this. Does anyone know of an efficient and do - able method of ridding my lap top of the virus which infiltrated it a couple of days ago? The virus is called 'Personal Antivirus' and is posing as an anti virus programme - telling me I have Trojan viruses and that I must give over my bank details to cure the Trojan situation.

I've run my McAffe anti virus programme (updated) but nothing has shown up. The PAV virus on my laptop keeps interfering and blocking certain web pages, telling me they are infected - I've only just been able to access this one. Also, I haven't done any work on my laptop since realising, in case the virus contaminates my storage facilities: pen drive and email accounts, and in case I lose the work from my lap top. Any advice would be appreciated.

Virus treatment seems to be a web nightmare, with traps left right and centre, so would very much appreciate your advice.

Hi Pamw! Sorry to hear you're in such a fix at home. How old is your partner's daughter? She may want to have her own home with her new baby - if she is old enough. But you MUST look after yourself and your PhD, and only you know if that is possible while staying under the same roof as the new teen mum. At least, as someone else has said, you have a bit of time to figure things out. Another house move would, in itself be mega stressful. I use the public library sometimes, and find I can work well there, or even local cafes.

Depending on the situation of his daughter, ie how involved the father and his family are going to be, an how involved the girl's mother will be, your partner could be facing alot of extra responsibility, in very practical terms. So, I'd say you need to be selfish and make sure you don't get sucked into that too.

Good luck XXX