I was always told you can write 1,000 decent words a day max (I am currently averaging one crap word a day max)

I find having a social life hard because I feel so guilty taking the time out. I have to work PT as well as study, so I feel like every free second should be spent studying in order to complete on time (not gossiping or going out)

I don't think the research council will expect the money back - lots of people withdraw and they have only had to pay back the money that was not 'used' i.e. if you withdraw in the middle of a semester and you've been given the money in advance, you only pay back the percentage you are not registered for

There are other options to withdrawing and you should discuss these with your department/supervisor. You have a very strong case for special consideration - you could suspend for a year (or more) and then go PT to allow you to work as well? There are a lot of us out there who have to work and juggle other commitments and it can be done. Don't be afraid to work out something with your department that helps you complete. I know sooooo many students who've managed to get concessions from the department to help them complete - but you have to ask and be honest that you need some help

A LOT of my friends were wardens - really worked for them

What did I miss - crikey, you actually bother to go off and write part of your thesis and you miss all the fun!!

It depends what aspect of media you want to specialise in

Unlike pea, I've procrastinated just as much as last summer! My brain switched off around June and won't kick in again until October.

So good to hear that other people have the same fear of starting writing!

Will start on that crappy introduction LOL

I would write an official statement of your side of the story prior to any meeting - send it to the supervisor and copy it in to the head of department and any relevant student representatives

I would make it clear that this matter is impacting on your work in this letter - you can make a complaint about this sort of treatment but you MUST document it wherever possible

Speak to the student's union - they will be able to give you advice. Document the fact you have had meetings with people about this as you can use it as evidence

Think I'm going to print off your reply and stick in on my research desk to remind me to get some work done LOL

I bought the book a while back - really useful

Thanks Matt! You're absolutely right - needed someone to tell me to just get on with it!

I'm social sciences

Have loads of notes and argument outlines - just nothing actually written!

...that there are other people coming to the end of their first year who haven't written anything yet!!!

Maccy Ds