Maybe it's your bad haircut

Dustmen (Refuse executives) get £30K.

No salaries are fair in academia - that's why we're all depressed.

Worst off are lecturers who can earn £25K with a doctorate and 5 year experience whilst doing a 50 hour week and stressed up to the eyeballs, when they could double their salary in industry.

As for PhD stipends, most internationals at my Uni are self-funded, and 12K is actually quite good compared to previously.

Stop grumbling

IMHO, at PhD level, it is your department's Research rating and funding that are more important than university name. From people I know from Oxbridge, first degree graduates tend to be more able, but at higher degree level, I would look for a Uni with good RAE rating in your chosen field.

By your email though you sound like you'll fit in very well - only joking.

There were many times during my PhD when I wanted to give in. Let's face it, research salaries are low and often on 1 - 2 year contracts. It is a lonely experience totally unlike first degrees, often in a very cosmopolitan environment, which takes getting used to.

Valid reasons for continuing are: loving your subject, wanting a life in academia, wanting to do research for a living.

Poor reasons to go through the experience are: wanting to use Dr on your credit card, nothing better to do, avoiding working, for the bursary.

Personally I'm pleased to have done one, but don't expect to enjoy yourself or have fun.