I am extremely keen on taking on a PhD but I am a bit worried about whether I will cope. I do have sporting interests and I would like to continue with them. Is it possible to still have interests and a decent social life while doing a PhD. I have worked hard on my BSc. and I do know my priorities, but it just worries me that it could be a 3 year slog??!

A PhD can be very time consuming when compared to undergraduate life. For a start there are a lot less holidays (eg 8 weeks, incl public holidays, for BBSRC funded students). However these holidays are better than most full time jobs. Hours may sometimes be longer than full time employment but will probably be more flexible. Don't expect to be able to take regular half days for sports fixtures. Most students are much busier in the final stages of their PhD, but most manage to maintain an active social life over the course of the PhD.

Thank you, that sounds a little more reassuring.

What he meant to say was......there is no chance if you are seriosuly trying to develop a sporting career. I was speaking to one of my lecturers, and he said they recently turned down an applicant at interview cos he had similar questions to you regarding sport. Social life yes, serious sporting career NO!!

I partyed all the way through my BA and my BSc and Im still partying now I'm doing my PhD. Not sure about the sport but, at the end of the day, you're only young once ...

Someone told me it is not worthy to spend your youth competing some much acamdamically.. yeah you can enjoy life here in China,sayhi22china@hotmail.com will give you view of China,both as student and staffs