When I first came here to visit the lab, they (students+prof) all told me it's good working here, the lab was well equipped and as I was interested in the field I finally made a decision to come here. But now I am here I just realise there is no direction, I am not really supervised, everyone is so busy they can't help me with anything. I feel completely lost and often ask myself what am I doing here? I don't know what to do.

Sorry you're feeling this way. The way I see it, you made the best decision you could in picking your PhD; you liked the people at the time and the project looked interesting. So don't give up just yet and persist in what you're doing, at least for a few more months until you get your MPhil. Is there a student counseller you can talk to, and have you spoken to your supervisor about this? I hope it all goes well.

I had exactly the same problem and felt like giving up too. but i decided to really get to grips with the background and theory which took a couple of months but now i dont need my direction from my supervisor because i have my own ideas. It is worth taking 3-4 afternoons a week for a bit on this - you will notice the difference and you will feel less dependent. I still have problems with the people in the lab but i am learning to keep myself to myself and not get too lonely.
Good luck

it could be even worse...
your girlfriend (the ones with you for last 3 years) could decide to leave you......
you can realise you are already thirty and canot afford to pay a dentist without asking your parents........

Same to me, after the first year I still felt like giving up. My research proposal didn't work as expected so I had to learn myself and made many trials. I had to be aware with independent work and force myself to a direction. Don't expect too much from your supervisor(s).

The story is all the same. I think you need to focus on one thing at a time and thereafter you can combine it with other activities.
Your supervisor will also like ideas originated from you not the one he suggested.

Many people find it difficult to find their feet at first. Your department should have appointed one or more people as your advisors. Their job is to ensure that you are receiving adequate supervision and to listen to any problems you may have that you don't wish to discus with your supervisor. If you don't have an advisor, speak to the head of postgraduate research.

I had the same problem. I spoke casually with grad tutor one day and effectively made a very, very informal complaint about lack of supervision, training (which was promised at my interview) and equipment. Basically, I was ostracised. I quickly developed independence. Now (after 18 months) I'm considering changing the theme of my PhD... the supervisor’s ideas turned out to be pants. If he doesn’t like it, he and the university might be discussing it with the solicitor I got in touch with over 12 months ago. Be ready for any eventuality, and take no shit!

I was in a similar situation and quit after 10months.I was in a field I though I would enjoy, but found out it wasn't the subject for me or the work that I am good at.If you don't like the work you're doing, then leave. It's not worth the stress. But if you like the work and the main problem is the people, then that's something to work on, or find a way around.If you still feel like this in a few months,get your MPhil and find a more fun lab!

Thank you so much for all your advice! I did not realize so many students had been where I am now. Just a question Ellie, have you found a better lab to do your PhD?

I've been doing my PhD for about 3 month snow and have only recently been in the lab. Because I worked for 2 years beforehand they assume I know all the techniques...I don't! And when I dare to question something i just seem to get sneered at. It is one of the UK's best Uni and I enjoy the topic, but some more help during the first, well year really, would be useful.

I have just started my PhD three months ago too. I feel exactly the same, I have been considering to quit it all. I feel like I am totally lost not even knowing what to do next week is pretty hard! I feel like A PhD is way too good for me now. I try to talk to my supervisor about my concerns, he put me off telling me "oh well your GPA is so high, I bet you can do this!" He asks for alot but not giving much to guide me through.

Its me who was 4 months St, now becoming 6 months St! Well, thanks!I took all your advices into account, they wanted me to write a thesis project to give after 6 months. I just gave the report and feel better, even if the conditions are still the same. I still don't know how its gonna end, but I think I will try some more months and see what's coming on.

Lost Soul, the PhD is not too good for u or for anyone, u are too good for it and they do need you, I am sure! I would still stay and see whats coming next, if things are gonna change. Anyway you are getting paid for the time being right? So you've got nothing to lose really. Be inspired. And cheers, other people have gone through such bad times, thats what kept me going until now. Give me some news in 2 months' time!