I'm just taking a long weekend off. But Jen - take a week off if you think you need it. Like you I only took a week off at Christmas, so I'll be taking 3 weeks off in August to go to Argentina!!

I took a year out and travelled around the world before starting my PhD.

Yes, a hug would be good just now - and a 6 month holiday in Barbados!!

Thanks for the advice guys - so it is normal not to have results to put in your thesis at this stage?

Tell me about it. I've had a crying fit too, and many tantrums. I'm going to spontaneously combust!!

I am so bored with all of this. Why am I here doing a PhD - remind me please? My bugs just won't grow. I have no results and I'm already 3 months into my project.

Hey I'm with Jen - I earn more with my PhD stipend than any job I had in my year out, plus my student loan was 14 times lower (yes, that's true) than what I earn with my stipend - plus demonstrating rakes in a lot more extra cash!! I'm pretty well off compared to all the people I know back home who just left school at 16 and got a factory or shop job, and I've actually managed to save money every month.

Jen is right - the choices your relatives make are their own - I can't influence them. Johanstein or whatever you're called - your views are SO pro-animal testing that it is offensive - you do not need to be so brutal, we all get your point, but why should we all agree with it just because we're scientists?? I bet you're one of those types that cause arguements in an empty room. What do you think of Heat magazine??

People like him make me ill.

Your views on animal experimentation are backward and offensive - what gives humans the right to experiment on animals?? You are one of those scientists that puts his career over compassion.

Hello, my PhD pays £12000 per year and I wondered how much I could afford to spend on accomodation. I've seen a lot of nice places for about £600pcm, and lots of horrid places too. How much could I reasonably afford off my stipend?

Thanks Freddy, that's really put my mind at rest!!

Hi, I rent a flat through a letting agents, and wondered if it is correct that full time PhD students do not have to pay ANY council tax?? I've just moved into my flat and was stressed about it.

And another thing that really bugs me - my brother can't understand the fact that I work in the evenings/weekends - he thinks that work starts at 9am and finishes at 5pm - I've told him it's not like that till I'm blue in the face..but no, no!! On blares the TV for hours on end. I'm moving out of home, so hopefully it'll be better soon.

I am so glad someone brought this topic up because it is something that has been bothering me these past few weeks. My family just DO NOT get it - they think becasue I'm sitting at my desk reading that it's not hard work, and dont understand that you need a bit of peace and quiet to write - I constantly have to ask for the TV to be turned down - the arguements that causes!! I really think that they believe an episode of I'm a Celebrity is more important than my career!!