Thanks for all the responses. Satchi, I am sorry to hear that you went through such hard times initially. Misspacey, thanks for the advice about checking the visa requirements - I myself have applied for PhD studentship and if I am successful in obtaining it, then the same will apply for me.

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Ouch, sounds tough and I sympathize with you but it's true that most people do tend to struggle while doing a Master's. I completed my MSc last year and it was really challenging and difficult. For one thing, we had deadlines almost every week for our coursework in addition to concentrating on our dissertation which we were expected to start working on three months into the Master's. It was a real struggle for me as my dissertation supervisor wasn't making it easier for me either! I guess he was one of the most challenging person I had to work with! I think that it was good though that I had to start working on my dissertation so early because it saved me a lot of trouble and panic later on into the MSc and when I had finished with all the coursework and had only the dissertation to work on, it was quite easygoing from then on. Although, I almost backed out of my Master's due to it being so stressful and difficult, but I am very thankful I didn't.



Perhaps, if you try to take a short break (a few hours) from all the work, and then come back to it and prioritize the most important things that need to be done each week, it might help. I found that making a diary and keeping note of all the deadlines I had to meet (although I knew them by heart ;-) ) really helped. When you are working on a task, try to give your undivided attention to it although it's natural to worry about the other deadlines that are looming up. As for the dissertation, setting deadlines for each section is a really good idea. My supervisor always set a deadline for me and although he was a bit flexible because it was just between me and him, it was really helpful because once you see each section of your dissertation being produced duly each month, it really demonstrates that you are progressing to your goal and gives you a clearer focus.



I don't know if these tips will be helpful to you but I found that they worked very well for me. Good luck with your MA and know that when you have completed it, you will experience such a sensation of euphoria that it will be well worth all that trouble!:-)

Hi everyone,

It makes me so sad that most people who embark on a PhD have to go through so many financial difficulties. I am just wondering how overseas students manage if it is so expensive in the UK particularly London. I have this friend of mine who has been awarded a studentship at the home/EU rate (7,450) and a stipend of 13, 290 (I think she would need to pay 4,500 from her stipend to cover the difference which leaves her with 8,790 for alll other expenses). She happens to be quite worried as to how she is going to cope for three years on such a limited allowance as she is not in the position to fund herself. If she pays the difference between the home and international fees from her stipend, will the rest not be enough for her to survive on if she cuts down on her costs? Sorry for sounding so naive but I'd like to help her in any way I can as she is really worried about this.

Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Hi guys,

Thank you very much for both of your input. It is quite helpful to get others' perspective when one is in a dilemma. Izzim, It is true that home students are usually successful in obtaining studentships compared to non-EU. Don't get me wrong, obviously considering the fact that their fees is usually half or less than half of those that are overseas, institutions will prefer them over the non-EU. Nothing much can be done about that though. I agree with what you stated Phdbug about not wanting to spend time 'doing groundwork in sociology, when I have specialized in nutrition which is why I wanted to know others' opinion on this issue. You're right and I am now giving this serious thought. Cheers guys!

Hi everyone,

I am really confused with regards to what I should do. I recently completed my Master's and while doing my MSc, I had applied for a PhD studentship. I was interviewed via telephone a week before the results of the studentship were due to be announced and the interviewer (a senior lecturer) sounded positive that I would be successful in obtaining the studentship. However, when the results were announced, I found out that I was unsuccessful in my application. That was a major disappointment for me as I had really set my hopes up after the interview. As I am an overseas student, I had been planning on covering the difference between the home fees and international fees had I obtained the studentship and stipend. I am now searching for other universities that offer studentships in my area of specialization. However, I've noticed that there are hardly any studentships available for overseas students. Are there any overseas students on the forum? If so, how are you funded? Self-funded or funded by the university? Are overseas students ever completely funded i.e. complete fees plus stipend? I am also worried about the fact that most of you who are currently doing your PhD's sound like you're having a financial crisis! I thought that as most of you were funded, it wouldn't be so difficult in terms of finance, but that does not appear to be the case. Furthermore, can you work part-time if you are funded by the university? I have done my MSc in Clinical Nutrition and as my dissertation made use of qualitative methodology and adopted a sociological perspective, I developed a greater interest in sociology. Hence, I am interested in pursuing my PhD in either nutrition or sociology. However, I am confused with regards to whether it's beneficial career wise to change professions? To be honest, I am so passionate about my subject (I am planning on developing my MSc dissertation further in the PhD) that I don't mind either field as long as I get to do my research. However, I am aware that I need to consider whether or not this PhD will benefit me in the long-run.

I apologize for rambling, not sure if I am making sense but I really am confused with regards to what I should do next and would greatly appreciate some advice and insight on these issues.

Thanks! :-)

You guys are freaking me out! I have just completed my MSc and have applied for PhD and am hoping to start it next month but after reading all this stuff on the forum....let's just say I am having second thoughts. I can't believe it, is it that bad? I mean I am just 22 and I have no intention of appearing old or ugly form now onwards! :-(