It is really not possible to get Athens access without getting it through your Uni, it seems. I have been accepted to do my PhD from September, have applied for full scholarship etc. I am already working because I have a huge project and am expected to publish 6 times in 3 years but I have no ATHENS. It is hard after having ATHENS for 5 years from two disciplines, 2 Unis. My Prof. has tried to get me early access but they have all said, I have to be registered first, ie. September. It is very frustrating, I have just sent him an email, almost begging for him to get me an ATHENS password, hoping he will give me a shared one until September or can I register early.