You can say it is because of your project and supervisor. But you could also look up a few relevant factors (eg, training, reputation, international research community) as pm133 suggests and bring them into it as well. It wouldn't be faking it to let them know you have considered other advantages/good points of the university (even if it isn't those that are specifically drawing you).

Good luck with the interview!

Thanks all - feeling much better now!

Do you have a Student Union you could ask for advice?

Hi Gwen, thanks for your reply. I think it is mostly 2 and a tiny bit of 3. I think I just need to take a break again then come back. I sent my supervisor something and haven't allowed myself to even think about it since, as I am worried it will be completely flawed!

Really glad to be able to report that this is coming together a bit now (although I myself am falling apart it seems!).

As soon as I posted that thread an ad came up about mental health. Grr, don't you hate the internet sometimes? So nineteen-eighty-four.

Not really, but I do feel like I am going a bit... odd... like when I am writing and reading academic literature, whereas I would normally feel grounded and like it makes sense (generally) and is fitting in with a larger idea in my mind, lately I've felt like maybe what I am writing is utter nonsense (dare I send it to my supervisor?), and also like what I am reading could easily be gibberish too at times (that really got published?!). Is this a stage that people go through with their PhD? I am just over 1.5 years in. It feels a bit like the metaphorical can't see the wood for the trees anymore.

Any advice would be appreciated. I took a few days break, which was lovely. But when I returned, it was the same.

Encouraging! Congrats!!!!

Yeh just write, treat it as a tick box.

It might be that you have developed and are now applying the study skills you acquired during your undergrad. Or it could be that you are more motivated now. Or it could be easier because it is up a level. Whatever the reason, I don't think it is something to worry about lol! Just be grateful!

Whatever you're comfortable in. That would be fine in my department (psychology).

Congrats Butterfly! I remember feeling lost and a bit of an anticlimax after my undergrad - but this must be tenfold! Thanks for all your support on this forum too!

I agree! Lolipops isn't that great an incentive, especially if they're the 5p type! Are you able to offer a fiver? Or do a prize draw to win something good if you need a very large number of participants.

Any news?