It is very rewarding and helps with promotion in future jobs. However, the nasty back-stabbing and evil individuals in academia can be discouraging - however they're not stopping me!!!

Glad to see I amused you. I must apologise. I have a filthy mind...

Hey- that's not fair! As an international student I don't get any overdraft at all!

Is doing a phd really worth it? Is an acedemic career worth it?!!! What you reckon?

I want to do my phd in sweden. What are the requirements to be fulfilled

Just don't assume you'll get funding - be able to fund your PhD no matter what (so any funding is a bonus)

People from Sheffield are called Sheffielders. They are also colloquially known as "Dee-dars" (which derives from their pronunciation of the "th" in the dialectal words "thee" and "thou") although the term is in decline and is not nearly as prevalent as " (A stew of meat and vegetables and hardtack that is eaten by sailors) Scouse" is for " (A resident of Liverpool) Liverpudlian" or " (Click link for more info and facts about Geordie) Geordie" is for " (Click link for more info and facts about Novocastrian) Novocastrian".

Hi Vicky. No i dont have a start date yet. But im guessing around 3rd October due to the BBSRC studentship starting on 1st. What department are you going to be in? Do you have any where to live yet, im finding it a little difficult getting digs?

I am doing my PhD in the Netherlands. The contract is 4 yrs, which is also the length of the PhD program. As a PhD student, we are employed at the uni, so we are funded by the salary. There is an eval after 1 yr. Basically there are no credits to collect by attending courses or taking exams for the program, though a student is entitled to take courses or a spring/summer school, say oncce a year.

I know there are a few people on the forum who are doing their PhD elsewhere than UK. Couldn't you please tell us something about it? How long will it take, how are you funded, what do you think of the education system etc. Thanks in advance :)

I start in ten days time..so scared but looking forward to getting stuck in. Have done a bit of reading, but have a list of papers to look up and print out once I get access to the university's online journals!!

Sounds like Anon is the university bike, everyone gets a go!!

Hey Heather, Im starting at the Royal Vet College too - have you got an actual start date yet?

I got one from the Royal Bank of Scotland for £2000 interest free!

Yes you can, I have one of £500 pounds, didn't even ask for it the bank just gave it. Natwest bank