Hey, give the dog a big stroke on the head from me!

Rob a bank.

I don't see why they can't write you a reference on headed paper?

Hola!

I can also give you the 'I'm the only one in my family ever to go to University, my brothers work in a warehouse and my parents have 2 GCEs and a lot of debt between them and yet I still got where I am today' speech to show you I'm also not the typical middle class PhD student.

Finally (phew!), I think my stipend is enough to live on (though I'm lucky to be funded and don't have kids etc); I can afford my rent, decent food and a few beers, though I get told off for not saving more.

But barhaircut, I think anything that can be done to highlight the plight of those less fortunate than me is a very good thing. But as has already been mentioned here, it can't all be blanket-applied to every PhD student.

Thanks,

I have probably missed most of this conversation, but have a few comments to throw in the ring...

Firstly, the diversity issue has been discussed here previously (and quite heatedly) a few months ago. The experience at my current University (some people can guess where that is, tough if you can't!) is quite different from what you describe. First of all, most people I live with are poor; I'd say a lot of affluent middle class students go on to be investment bankers or something to keep up that lifestyle, leaving those who really enjoy their subject. My flat mates are from the North of England (not the most affluent area...), Southern Europe (not too much money there unless you own a hotel) etc. Most in my department are quite normal (and yes we do have black academics too), though I guess that's somewhat due to the field I study, and if you went into the Classics Department for example you might find a different type of student there.

Ooops, I meant mouse mat. Unless you have any mice? I don't want to know what you make your sausage sarnies out of...

Imperial College, Lancaster, Southampton are all good. Environmental Science masters a very broad though and are sometimes a bit like conversion courses from another discipline; unless that's what you want, you might be better to choose a more specific programme, e.g. freshwater science, pollution, biodiversity conservation etc. Try www.findamasters.com (PGFteam, do I get a mouse for a bit of free advertising?)

Imperial College, Lancaster, Southampton are all good. Environmental Science masters a very broad though and are sometimes a bit like conversion courses from another discipline; unless that's what you want, you might be better to choose a more specific programme, e.g. freshwater science, pollution, biodiversity conservation etc. Try www.findamasters.com (PGFteam, do I get a mouse for a bit of free advertising?)

Your supervisor will also be able to give you (hopefully!) some good advice regarding article content and style etc.

Sorry? What thread?

Easy tiger

Well, better the devil you know I suppose...

That was gonna be my next one dammit! You're too quick for me...

You get back biting in any industry, whether it's a University, multi-national corporation, a factory or Tescos.