Oh - and i'm working full time too, so preparation time is a bit lacking cause of that too!

I just got my viva date. Its 4th December - less than 2 weeks away! (I submitted on 1st October). I guess its good that it will be over and done with, but bit miffed that I didn't get more notice.

I don't have a date yet - should be before Christmas. It is in the UK.

Anyone got any tips on how to prepare for the viva? Am I allowed to take anything in with me? If I know they are likely to ask me a question can I pre-prepare a diagram or something - or is that classed as cheating? What did other people do to prepare. (its a science thesis)

Congratulations.

Mine MUST be submitted on Monday!!!

mmmm Wine sounds good. Or maybe Gin.
I seem to have been awake most of the night these past few days - but still the screen stays far to blank. I have bursts of writing - they generally last about 2 mins!! Then I seem to need 3 days to recover (or it feels like it!)

Gin sounds good.

To clarify - thats the first PhD student in 6 years to actually finish within 4 years!

My tuppence worth - almost all of the PhD students in my department take right up to and often over the 4 years (and yes funding bodies etc really don't like it). But we do behavioural neuroscience, and animals take ages to learn stuff. I did three experiments for my PhD - each took 1 year +!! In our field its hard to finish on time, but that dosen't stop the university being pain. And the funding body only fund us for 3 years - you either have a nice supervisor who pays, or like me find the money to live on yourself!!
I'm still aiming for 4 year deadline, but its gonna be tough. If I make it I will be the first PhD student in my dept to do it in 6 years!

Hi Piglet,
I'm facing the strange dilemma of being told I'm UNDERqualified for all the jobs I want to do and apparently being OVERqualified for temporary admin or shop work (despite the fact that I did shop work part-time for 5 years during school / uni, and office work every summer holiday). I'm facing going on the dole if I don't find a job soon. People are convinced I will think the job too far 'below' me that I won't do it well - but my attitude is that I'd rather be working than scrounging off the government.

Anyone got any advice on how to convince people?

Ok. I'm going to lower the tone and add a disney quote!!

You must face the age of not believing,
doubting everything you ever knew,
until at last you start believing
there’s something wonderful in you.

:o)

Yep. Thats how I'm doing my neuroscience one too. Describe one and refer back. Its good to get confirmation from others though.

Good luck writing - I'm procrastinating right now!

Hiya,

I'm in a similar position to badhaircut - apart from the fact that I'm still writing up. Was doing tutoring at uni to get by, but now the summer holidays have come up, my income has disappeared. However, (even when I get depressed) I realise that in some ways I have chosen to put myself in this position. I hate research (no offence to anyone else!)and I'm bad at it too, so I have decided to pursue a different career. I really want to do Science Communication, and am applying for loads of jobs. I get interviews, but nothing doing. Have just 'sold out' to a temping agency in order to pay my rent. I'm not happy, but am realistic. I refuse to give up on my dream job. I know I could do it if someone will just give me a chance. Its difficult, but stay positive and try to find yourself encouraging people who will support you. (My careers advisors at uni are always over optimistic!)

My heart goes out to all who are suffering. I went through this for about a year. I'm coming out the other side now, but it was a long process.
I didn't take medication - my choice. First step was university councillors. They were really good, just listened and offered gentle simple step by step advice - like going out for a 10 min walk when things are starting to get to you, and hence not letting them overcome you. They also contacted my supervisor for me, as I didn't feel strong enough. Having outside interests is good - but I ended up sitting in a corner crying through alot of them, so people weren't sure how to talk / treat me because of that.
I've now been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid, which was probably a contributing factor. Ask your family about history of depression / illnesses and check for underlying clincal reasons

Overall, keep talking and don't hide. Deal with it quickly and its much easier to sort out. Good Luck and big virtual supportive hugs.

I miss my cat. It was great company and stress reliever to me during my undergraduate - but now i'm in a different city.
I quite like working at night (its just how my timeclock is) and he would snuggle up on my knee once everyone else had gone to bed.

I used to work really long hours doing my experiments and it wouldn't have been fair to have a pet. Now i'm writing up, i'd really like the company - but its against my tenancy agreement.

Its nice to hear about all your pets though. Give them a cuddle (or a splash maybe for fish??) from me.

I seem to be taking alot longer than others around me to write my thesis. I have thesis plan that has been agreed with my supervisor - but its the depth than I'm concerned about. I seem to go into alot more depth on stuff than others around me, but can't quite figure out how to do less without missing out important stuff.

I have had a look at my colleagues thesis - and i really don't think they are very good. They don't explain anything - but yet one just had his viva and passed with tiny minor corrections

Should I follow their lead and just get the thing done, or should I continue doing it my (v.slow) way? Its a science PhD based on experiments by the way.