No, it's not all bad- tell us some negative stories about working in industry to cheer us all up, please. What was that about clocking in ....

Can anybody share any positive stories about doing a Phd? I'm just starting out and feel overwhelmed by the negativity of what I've read from various sources so far.
I've spent a lot of time out in industry and have been awarded a scholarship and therefore feel damn lucky to have to opportunity to study an area I feel passionate about for 3 years. I appreciate now that I dont have to clock in and out when someone tells me to - I structure my days how I please. Is all this forgotten once your a year in?

I'm currently a PhD student in Italy, but I then spent a year in the UK as a Marie Curie Fellow. My PhD is nearly completed (written 70,000 words), but my supervisor in Italy refused to read it. So I was actually thinking of getting a transfer to one of the UK university. Has anyone done that? Is it feasible? Thanks guys

my best mate is there. he's totally mad. if you like mad people, you'll fit in. if not, god help you.

tell ur supervisor how u feel. Cry if you have to. You'll be fine. You'll come on here bragging that you've got hooded or something this time next year, while the rest of us feel like quitin!

I am going to be doing a stint abroad for my upcoming phd – ask your dept whether they have links with other unis – certainly they should have some with some European unis at least. Obviously the study abroad will have to be relevant to ur research ie how will an Asian/American dimension fit into your study? You might want to ask whether you have to justify your time abroad – and how this will add to your whole phd. Good luck!

Eat PS [Pickle sandwiches] with CN [Corner Nerd or Self] talking jibberish & dreaming of penguins and exotic islands – the day when PhD sentence is over. Repeat words like ‘I’m not/will not/refuse to go mad’ - to be mastered on first day – practice over 3yrs makes perfect. Don’t communicate in coherent manner to anyone particularly supervisor [like said email] all leading to conclusion that boffin plain has been reached thus confuddling everyone in process so No Questions [NQ] asked. Randomly slip into every sentence plenty of RR [random rubbish] in form of codes adding to intellectual prowess. PS [problem solved]

See what happens on your first day. I just leave the lab when I want..usually 1pm till 2pm though.

thank u v,much dr mel. i know now how deal with the lunch room situation. Just another question, do you have your lunch in your office with other post grad students?

It delights me that such a question should be posed. Reena, this is by no means a stupid question – I would suggest the following options to you: If your supervisor is The Generous Type (TGT), stick to them like a hungry thing from 12.30 pm onwards [preferably with chewed pen dribbling]. Hint how bad hall food is [think fake powdered egg at Highfield Hall] and how much you admire their recent publication/new perm/wig etc. Do some serious brown nosing.

If said supervisor does not possess said personality or said dollar, ie they are a TG (Tight Git) either invest in a sturdy lunchbox with lock key combination – thus preventing the Common Student Snatch and Grab Syndrome[Endsleigh have good insurance for CSSGS]..a trusty die hard tactic might be to hover a canteen or two with take off wings [for ease of manoeuvre] purchasable at student shop for £1.99 – with said wings prey on lonesome just landed, 1st years who desperado need mates, any mates for that matter. After all Phd students must be beggars not choosers.

If all else fails I’m sure you could raid the recycle bins next to the engineering block and lick a couple empty tango bottles. Who knows you might even get a penguin slap your leg with a leaf.. Or I guess, you could always just buy some cheese and pickle sandwiches from the canteen. I hope this helps Reena.

u'll be fine, southamptons very friendly.

I'm just about to start my phd in october and i am in a bit of a dilema. I don't know the procedure regarding lunch. Is it customary to bring my own, if so what? or do i have to buy it? Does everyone have lunch at the same time. Does one have to request permission for lunch? What do you all do regarding this dilema? I also have a question about going to the loo but I will leave that question for a couple days. Many Thanks.

If somebody knows about Phd possibilities in Italy please notify me, I am interested in physical chemistry.

Hi, Am an international student from india on the verge of completing my masters in biotechnology at sheffield hallam university. Am looking for a possible ways by which i can get myself a Phd. I would be thankful if any of you could put in the right direction.
Cheers.

chemistry