I've lurked on these forums for years, during the good times and the very stressful times. I wanted to share my experience so that others know that through the hard times you can and will succeed.

So, I started my PhD in 2011 and all was going along fine until year 3 and then stalled. Writer's block, procrastination, financial pressures. It all seemed to come at once and I did nothing for about a year. Then my dad was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer and given just months to live. It was a horrible time and the last thing I could think about was writing up. After he passed away it took another six months to even look at my thesis again and I seriously thought about giving up.

But I decided to carry on and finally submitted in June 2016. I was so happy and felt free, so was distraught when I received major corrections (six months) after my October viva. It took three months to get the list of corrections (more stress from the constant chasing/harassing of registry). The corrections were very fair though which was easier to accept. I felt so tired and fed up but managed to hand them in late April this year.

Since then I have been refreshing my email every few minutes (I'm not even exaggerating), hoping for good news but preparing for bad. I haven't been sleeping very well, drinking a little too much, worried about the possible negative outcomes. Anyhow, imagine my surprise when I was busily deleting junk emails on the train to London this morning when the email popped up. Informal email read, 'All done – you should get the go ahead from Registry to graduate in the next couple of days. Congratulations!' The train was packed and I was in shock. I can't believe it. No further corrections, I'm free!!!

I hope this helps anyone who's PhD journey isn't easy. Keep going, you'll get there in the end :)

Congratulations.I am not sure I could have lasted 6 years to be honest so well done for finishing.

Congratulations and well done Neferterli! What a great story of persistence and hard work. Very sorry to learn of the sad loss of your father in recent years. I'm sure he would have been so proud of you for sticking it out. Best wishes for your celebrations and future plans.

Congratulations!!!!!! You must feel so elated!!!!!!!!