I start my PhD tomorrow and I am starting to get really nervous. Will I be expected to start my lab work straight away? I haven't got a clear idea of what I need to do yet.

I'm in the same boat mate! Starting to get very nervous now. to people who are doing/have done PhD's, what did you do in the first few days and weeks?

My mate's supervisor told him a 3 year PhD follows a rough structure of 4-6 finding out about the subject and gaining the required skills, about 2 years research, then 4-6 months writing up.

Relax! you'll probably just get to know the lab and read around the subject for the first few weeks... thats what I did! You guys really have nothing to worry about, trust me!

Relax please. Your first few weeks will be induction - admin, registration, welcome meetings and stuff. You will probably be given papers to read that are pertinent to your research. Remember you are not expected to find the cure for cancer in you PhD, the government wishes to place emphasis on training for PhD students, so just 'go with the flow' and enjoy!

I just moved into halls yesterday - ready to start on Thursday :s. The people in my corridoor pretty much keep themselves to themselves apart from a wierd mature undergrad who couldnt take the hint and leave my room cos i wanted to unpack...he sat there for ages. Argh. I dont think u have to go straight into PhD research etc (atleast I hope not!!). GooD lUCK!!!!

Hi guys, I have just started my fourth week of PhD and it has been fantastic. First couple of weeks I was really scared, but mostly did reading up and practised a few techniques I hadn't done for a while. This week I have started off on my proper work. You're supervisor will break you in gently so don't worry. Try to meet with other new PhD students early on to share thoughts and fears with - it really helps.

I did the same as Alex - going to start my proper research soon once everything settles down as it's the start of term and the labs are getting reorganised at the moment to accomodate everyone! I'm doing a literature review at the moment so I can get upto date with the latest developments in one of my subject areas. I can do other ones for the different areas as I move onto them. This way it's alot more manageable!

Don't worry about not having a clear idea of what to do as nobody does at this stage! It's all trial and error to see what works! It'll be good to be in the lab as you can familiarise yourself with techniques etc.. before you start your proper research! I found it a weird transition from working in a lab before to being a student but you soon get used to it! Being in the lab definitley helped!

i have started now just been reading sorting out admin and stuff. I don't see my supervisor because he doesn't do anything in the lab. He says i should not be doing anything else yet...but i think the head of the group I'm in thinks differently!