i've just started a PhD in statistical genetics at Nottingham. Love it here, unlike where I did my masters... (and i'm not saying where! )

When sending a spontaneous application to a supervisor, should I write just the names of referees or should I include reference letters?

lol. Yes - I was thinking of erecting a tent by the cash machine.

Hey Daniel

I'm in exactly the same position ! I sent mine back on thursday and still haven't had any so just hang in there. I keep thinking "maybe tomorrow"...

Hello all

Just a quick question - I am being funded by the BBSRC, and I have sent back the form on Saturday that confirmed I have now started. I know they say that your first payment will be paid as soon as possible, but do you know roughly how long that is? Just I've got a few outstanding bills that need some monetary attention fast!

Thanks in advance

Well, that would depend on where you are and how much rent you'll have to pay. I'm sharing a house with two others and pay 350 £ a months... so I get by fine but there's nothing left at the end of the month. A part time technichian will have to pay tax- but will still end up with a little more than me.

Inductions are mainly for taught courses, to help you start off

Well, even collaborations go wrong. Our collaboration involved so many people that my name was kicked off the cell paper to make room for others. Our collaborators had smaller errorbars so we used that data. Leaves the question why I had to do severall experiments demanded for by the reviewers..

Of course! A PhD can be 9-5 if you plan your work ahead and don't constantly go for a tea break. Our postdoc has two children and goes at 5 every day- she just works more efficient than some of us. Your supervisor might complain about it- but at the end it is your PhD and you are a grown up and can manage your PhD comitments. My PhD contract states thet I should work 7.5 h 5 days a week.

To teach History at Cambridge, yes. To teach Linoleum Design and Spice Girl Studies at Little Winklington Uni, possibly not.

Complete lack of cash

I just did a MSc at ******* (University of) and about to start my PhD there too. I don't want to start a rant about the Imperial annoying Oxbridge rejects. On the good side, I did meet some like-minded individuals there and it was London :)

I did my MSc here and I'm on one of thehospital campuses, never really venture to the main one unless it's for registration etc. It's not such a bad place, but I can understand your perceived feeling of arrogance...some people here are (my postdoc I work with for a start!) Which uni are you at?

are m & ms a brand of child meat?

Well- what is your field?