David Dickinson

examiners!

moustache

1) A pony (preferably a bay with one white foot, this has been on my Christmas list since I was about 6, maybe this year is the year!??)
2) Someone to write my papers for me
3) An mp3 player
4) Anything for my Mini (bought it 6 weeks ago and I adore it!!!!)

This post is a classic - long may it receive pointless posts! :o)

Definitely, I wrote the last bits of my thesis whilst rather tipsy on mulled wine (try to avoid writing up over Christmas if possible). I think a little alcohol opens the mind and allows the ideas to flow. However, too much results in a glass of mulled wine being spilled into your laptop, not good the day before you submit. The laptop survived btw, they are hardy little beasts ;o)

Go for the mulled wine before the graduation Dan! I had Pimms and lemonade before my PhD grad ceremoney but that was in the Summer.

butter

Amber, I completely agree! The more you learn, the more you realise just how much you don't know - it's very humbling. The thing is not to let it worry you, obviously one person is NEVER going to know everything. As new work is constantly being produced (thousands of articles being published every month) it's an impossible goal. All anyone can do is to try to stay up to date with the most important developments in their field.

board

Don't worry, the weight will drop off when you write-up! ;o)

dessert

Topic wise choose something that really inspires and motivates you - that is most important factor as you'll be working on the project for at least three years!

If you are applying straight from Uni you won't be expected to have loads of lab experience. If you are keen to start straight after completing your first degree then go for Sept/Oct 2006 entry.

Good luck!

Murray mints

Which takes us full circle back to....doctorate!

Ooh, I forgot to mention the various lab accidents over the years(solvents in eyes - actually that probably didn't help my vision either..., needle stick injuries etc) and aches and pains due to years of lugging a laptop around! PhDs should come with a health warning!