You're only in the first few weeks, so I would suggest sticking it out, especially if you are interested in the subject.

I'm sure there will be some group work at some point which will allow you to interact better with people, and no doubt there is someone else in that class you've overlooked who is feeling the same way. Everyone is forming little groups, because they are scared and insecure so latch on to other people. Just be yourself and I'm sure it will be more sociable in time.

If you hear about a trip to the pub after lectures make sure you go along and try to be proactive e.g. ask people if they want to go for a coffee afterwards etc.

I would consider very carefully before quitting, especially as the tuition fees are likely to rise significantly, so if you want to go back in a few years it may cost a lot more.

I think it may depend on your subject area. In my area (psychology), I think most people use AMOS, as its linked to SPSS.

I don't understand why the 'cutie' would bother checking the site? And would they really want to do anything but call the police, when they realised that you'd put a photo of them on there?

Thanks Rick. Unfortunately it is my dream job. Its in my local uni - where i did my undergrad, and its 10 mins away. Anywhere else would mean at least 2 hours travel per day, there and back :-( its also a really prestigious department and the salary is fantastic, plus its a tenured position.

But I will try and focus on the negatives too!

I think the key may be some breathing exercises and trying to be cool calm and confident, rather than rushed, red and ridiculous.

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double post

I wonder what you have to do to become a uni? are LSBF technically a uni? if so then I'm sure I could set one up, no problem.

I'll be in charge of the office for procrastination.

I think you can apply if your funding has run out - I mean, although you're technically registered with the uni, you aren't required to work full time with the uni, and they won't stop you working full time, so I don't see why you wouldn't be allowed JSA. I was in this situation yesterday. My sup has just offered me a part time role on another research project, which while low paid, is a life saver! However, she made it very clear that I am not to work on my PhD on days I'm supposed to be working on this project, so I've really got to start getting more productive :-(

I think there must come a time where you'd take a major amendment, just so you'd know what you had to do to finish. Although I'd be gutted if it came with a 2nd viva.

I reckon you'll do fine Wal, there will be weeks when it goes slowly, but give it a month and you'll be a lot further ahead. :-)

In my field the best research comes from post-1992. Hardly any comes from russell group unis, probably because only about 1 offers the MSc that is required in order to qualify in our field. Although maybe this is because my field is very applied.

It all sounds horrific. Maybe, if the tories are so intent on privatising HE, then we should start the PGF university?

well I've just bought a new shirt and pair of black trousers to looks suitably 'apprentice-style smart'.

I think I'll just have to check myself with the giggling, I even do this in my meetings with sup and I need to curb it.

I think the pause before, and talking generally more slowly is a great idea. I can't decide whether to get my hair cut beforehand. Its just really long, so was going to just straighten it, sometimes I worry that it makes me too girly (i.e. its not a short 'business' haircut, although there is NO way hubby would want me to cut it shorter than my shoulders).

I've already taken some RR today and the interview's next week! Argh!

Trying to think of a time that meets the criteria! I almost always feel nervous/shy/like I've done something stupid!

as you know, I have an interview next week. I find it really difficult to not crumble into a giggly mess in interviews. I rehearse all the answers I think I'll need, and I do manage to say these, but I think my general demeanor comes across as 'young'.

I really want to stride in a confident woman, not go in as a girl who looks out of place.

Any tips on how to achieve this, without a major brain transplant?

Olivia is a fountain of knowledge about all this stuff, I'm still not sure, but getting there on positivism!

you could phrase it to sound less boasty

E.g. by implementing these, we raised our NSS score from ..... to....

haha, I'm not, you know what mine's about :-) (am so nervous and I've still got a week!)

Not sureabout the NSS results. I'd mention them, but don't include them on written material maybe.

you could try contacting the authors, that's worked for me in the past.