You seem to have your head screwed on alright. One other thing do not stay at your current University because it is convenient (this does not sound like what you plan to do anyway). You have valid reasons, i.e., best in region at what it does so that is a positive thing. Just do not say 'oh i will stay because my friends are here or whatever'. 7-8 years in the one spot can get very tiresome so the ONLY reason to stay is because you actually WANT to!

You get more for the money with a desktop package but laptops are great for the portability. If you're going to be carrying it around much try to get a light one to save your posture and/or get a rucksack style laptop bag!

Hey alex. I already have a laptop anyway so am getting a desktop as well. But out of the two, a laptop is always useful if you're planning to be fairly mobile i.e. going away to see friends, relatives a bit and you can take your work with you easily. A desktop would only perhaps be more advantageous if you were doing something that required a lot more 'computer power' as laptops aren't quite up to the top specs that desktops are.

A lot of non-London places estimate around 8-8.5K as living costs for the year. I had a studentship around this amount last year and lived reasonably okay on it. 5K would probably be very tight, but again, depends where you are and your lifestyle.

I have my own laptop - bt the PC is mainly going to be for office - i am able to access my work using winscp so having work in one place probably isnt a problem bt i understand what you mean.

Another idea: I spent a few months last year using a Tablet PC (Toshiba Portege M200) which can be a 'normal' laptop but can also be used like a book with a pen. Very useful as a logbook with Microsoft OneNote, especially in a lab (unless you spill coffee or acid on it!)

Another vote for a laptop here. Much more versatile having all your work in one place especially when working from home in the evening etc. I'm sitting in bed connected wirelessly to the internet right now!!

The other option is a desktop + mobile hard drive if you have a computer at home, but if you've got the cash, buy the laptop!

Wow Alex getting given EITHER a laptop or a pc free from your funding package -some people have all the luck.

From an arts student perspective, what Im finding most disheartening sometimes is the more you research, the more people you find talking about your area! Being at the bottom of the food chain and trying to make your mark and say something new can be intimidating and disheartening.

I felt exactly the same when looking on this website. Im 2 months in and think its fantastic - obviously you dont romanticise the pressure your under - I took years out working in various pressured environments and so really really appreciated being my own boss and reading up on something I love all day every day.

Yes it is - I've just started a Phd in literature without a masters - if you put forward a strong idea and interview well, then you can gain work on the research skills you already have in your frist year to get yourself up to speed.

i tried applyin for UEA last year but failed to get it. Was wondering if competition is tougher with which unis. THe funny thing is, according to Guardian's rankings, some of the best universities in ENGLISH, however, see UEA's rankings at a paltry 40-something placing. So it doesnt quite add up.

Royal Holloway, Uni of Sussex, Middlesex Uni, Goldsmiths and Bath Spa. Does anyone know in which order does competitiveness ascend?

My choice is a laptop, I have had one since undergrads, MA and now to the PhD. It saved a lot on cost of moving in and out of places...used in the library as well.

If you are in London or travelling to London I dont think thats a very good offer, but if you can cut rent or travelling somehow probably (for a month it will will be around £400..although you will be paid quartely).. do the budget,ask someone who had done it in your uni..with same amount.

There are lots of positives of PhDs but since we try to be better all the time it just happens that we seek advice at our weaker points. Anyway-after all those years doing part-time and summer sales jobs during undergrads and MA, I can't be more happy to get paid to do something I want for a change at last.