Hey cool place to work - what do you do? Hope you are feeling better!

Most people will be just as nervous as it's a big step and commitment! And also a funny sort of transition but just take it easy, probably easier said than done when you're new to a place. The the workload is pretty easy on you at the start so it's a good opportunity to get into the social side of things.

Loughborough is a bit small if you're used to living in a city and nowhere near as nice as Edinburgh but it's ok. You can get everywhere you want in about hour or so except the library which is very far away at the far side of campus.

Who is my supervisor?

You make Lufbra sound so nice - surely Nottingham can't be that bad DanB?

If he can do my upgrade for me then he can help!!!

Was (s)he tasty?

I suppose we all seek gratification and acceptance for what we do! We want our family and friends to approve of our choices otherwise we wouldn't be so annoyed/upset that sometimes people are not supporting us (they probably have different priorities for us) and not understanding why we are stressed as it was our choice to do a PhD afterall!!! People outside academia will never understand the stress of it all as to them we are just extending being students and don't really want a job etc... But talk to people who are in a similar situation and they will instantly understand! That is the difference!!! It's no use complaining to non-academics the problems of doing research and a PhD!! So you have to find a common ground or don't talk about it at all! Just laugh it off as my family think I'm doing a strange topic!!

That leaves you with bird flu Dr. (to be) Tricky!!!

Hmmm I do like the dark choc ones!!!

That dreaded thing - do whatever it takes to avoid it!!!

It shouldn't be a problem - I asked for time off in the first month as I had something planned before I started! You are entitled to probably somewhere between 6-8 weeks depending on your uni. However if you get a supervisor who seems to think it's okay to work you into the ground then it's a different matter!! I think they need reminding as it seems like they seem to forget what it's like!!!

Depends on who god is!!!

I'll have to borrow them off you DanB. to cure my severe case of writer's block and find some Dangermouse episodes as well as they're also great! I've just been sent a great book (not related to research!!) which should also help!!

Choc biscuits are essential - I've hunting for food all day!!

You are on the same wavelength Sheena - I have just about forced myself to do some work with lots of breaks, say every 10 mins!! Been avoiding it like crazy!!! I think the PR company to find our motivation is a great idea and we should charge it to the dept! A necessary expense!!!

So has anyone found mine then? If found please return as I have a ton of work to do it and no will power to do it!!! Think it has gone on holiday!!! Maybe it had trouble getting a flight back!!