I've no miracle cures for you Wickid, but you have my every sympathy - we've all been there at some point. It's a cliche but time does heal(and when you're ready, a hunky new Orlando Bloom-lookalike boyfriend will help too). Big hugs x

Klingon (ha ha!!)

Mochas...mmmmmmmm [but normal caffeinated instant for everyday use!]

I agree with Mia and, as I am doing a Post-doc with the same group as I did my PhD with, that is no surprise! I think there are many benefits to continuing to work with the same team. I'm not worried about missing out on experience through exposure to different researchers because, through other collaborative projects, I am working with new people.

I worked as a tech in a research lab for 3 years, then began PhD with same group.

As much as I LOVE that site (and have several cartoons adorning my office walls) I'm not sure it has quite the same following over here (does it?). After all, the PhD process is so different in the States when compared to the UK so may be some of the cartoons don't have quite the same impact as they might on a USA grad student i.e. jokes about 'quals' and open vivas and the fact that you might be 7 or 8 years in grad school...

That's a "how long is a piece of string?" type of question :o) It's very variable, depends on the field (popularity of project), the group (everyone wants to work at prestigious institutions and with the top people), how well the post has been advertised, how much funding is on offer, time of year etc etc. Best bet is not to underestimate the extent of the opposition but to go prepared to show that you are the best of the bunch (however many that may be!). Good luck!

Poor you, that's really horrible. Hope you can get the window sorted asap. Any chance of claiming on house insurance for your laptop and dvd player? (not that that makes up for the lost work, inconvenience and invasion of privacy).

No problem Sue, happy to help if I can! :o)

Does you Uni run a Viva prep workshop? I found this very useful because apart from the practical info, it was good to meet other pre-viva students and to see that we were all worried about similar things!

You also do not have to have your supervisor in the viva with you. I understand completely what you say about being tongue-tied in front of your supervisor, I am the same! However, I would advise that you do have your supervisor in with you because it’s very helpful to have someone who can make notes for you during the viva, in case of any corrections, and it’s nice to have a familiar face there. Honestly, you will completely forget that they are there as you are so focused on the examiners. However, this is your decision and you should do whatever makes you feel more at ease.

Very best of luck for your viva and the pre-viva prep (make sure you get your supervisor(s) to give you a mock!).

Ann

Hi Sue

Ideally, the choice of examiners should be a joint decision made by the student and the supervisory team. I was certainly involved in the discussions about my examining team so I think it’s fine for you to request that you are involved in the decision. Ultimately, the team must be approved by the Research Degrees committee (in terms of experience and suitability to access your work).

Again, it’s fine for the examiner to be someone with which your team have had little or no contact. Indeed, there is concern if you or your supervisor are deemed to be too friendly with the examiner! Most people are honoured to be asked to examine a PhD and will happily do the job if they can. The university will pay for examiners expenses but may not be keen to pay for overseas flights if there is a UK based person who could examine your project instead. Check with your postgrad office on this.

Hi Matthew

You are wise to be considering these things. As you can tell from the posts on this forum, PhDs can be incredibly stressful and I think it may well be difficult to cope with PhD stress on top of any existing depression. However, I don't want to put you off as PhD research can also be very rewarding. I think in your situation it's very important that you find the right project for you (i.e. one that really inspires and motivates you) and also find a very good supportive supervisory team. I'd advise you to hold out for a project that you really want to do, somewhere close to family and friends for support. Best of luck.

Yes, it's fine to ask them. Just say that you're sorry for the short notice but you've only just discovered the project and you are really keen to apply and that you'd be really grateful if they could help.

Good luck!

Lucky you, my boyfriend isn't rich OR romantic! ;oD

I agree HappyDays. My point was that AnonGerman didn't make any mistake. It's perfectly possible for an activity to be voluntary and well-paid.