Heya Matt, im starting a PhD at Reading in October. My project has something to do with snails, speciation, adaptation and AFLP markers...sorta!

i recon its important to broaden your "porfolio" as much as possible, and moving around the country to different uni's is the perfect way to do that. by meeting new people, making new contacts, working in different labs e.t.c., you will be more involved with the national/international academic community.

Obviously, it is scary settling down in a new uni...there's no one who finds that easy. But just because its daunting, it doesnt mean you shouldnt do it.

I suppose its different for every1. You may have found your perfect department/supervisor/research area at your undergraduate uni, which may mean its a good idea to stay at that uni. Many factors need to be considered and balanced before making a decision like this.

Its all about Stevie Wonder

Just finished my undergrad in a bubble on the west coast of Wales...Aberystwyth.

Hopefully moving to Reading in October for a PhD.

Hi all,

Just wondering about fees if ur doing a PhD. Do you need to pay the
three-and-a-something grand at the start of EACH year of your PhD, or is it just a one off payment at the start??

Cheers

Im in exactly the same situation Claudia (and Lamb), ive been told its just a formality to go through the 'proper' application process. its just the way uni's do things

i suppose having a telephone interview offers the advantage of having all your notes infront of you, so you dont end up kicking yourself afterwards for not saying everything that you want to say.

As long as you put the effort in preparing all your notes and answers to the typical questions it should be fine.

Good luck!

i think i speak for everyone here....i envy you!!!

Ameteurs

I am in EXACTLY the same boat phdaspirant, its HELL waiting for a reply which may not even come!!! Wish i had some good advice for you, but all i can offer is EMPATHY!

Cheers Unibabe!

The north sounds lovely! ta

Hi all,

Is anyone a student at Hull uni? im in the middle of applying for a PhD there, and i was just wandering what the city of Hull is like. is there much of a music seen there (e.g. open mic nights etc...)?

i'm in exactly the same boat, holly. the way i've gone about it is to read the potential supervisor's research papers, and they usually have parts in their discussion sections which identify areas which need further reaserch. if one (or more) of these areas seems like the sort of project you might be interested in, then use that as a basis for a PhD project idea. when you email these ideas to the supervisor, tell them about your own research interests; why you want to do resrach in that specific area; and any relevant modules/skills/expertise you might have in that specific area (almost like a covering letter).

Thats just a suggestion to make a better impact with an enquiry e-mail.

Good luck!

maybe have a few drinks with your supervisor! talk about travelling, talk about america. if all else fails...fake sleep it!

dont worry, she's probably just as apprehensive about it as you, it'll be fine.